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Arsenal are growing increasingly confident of signing Belgian maestro Youri Tielemans, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
The Gunners have been frequently linked with the 25-year-old throughout the transfer window, with Mikel Arteta looking to reinforce his midfield options. It appears the Spaniard is opting for ‘death by a thousand passes’ as his methodology of controlling games, and the former Anderlecht midfielder is the archetypal player for such a philosophy.
Bailey claims that reliable sources out of the King Power affirm the Belgian’s likely departure this summer, claiming “We’ve managed to get a hold of a source close to the club who confirms that intent that the club are pushing ahead with this, they are very confident of getting him."
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Bailey isn’t the only reliable source to claim a move to N5 is gaining momentum, with Fabrizio Romano similarly stating this week that Tielemans alongside Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus are “top of the list” for arrivals at London Colney.
With 6 goals and 4 assists in the league this season, Tielemans would not only add technical security to the side, but goal contributions from midfield. Outside of the forward line, goals from deep were virtually non-existent for the Gunners last season, so the Belgian’s contributions would be vital.
However, there is the question of where he would play. At his best for Leicester, he operated as an 8 on the right side of a midfield three, playing incisive passes between the lines from the right half space. Whether Arteta moves the 25-year-old to left centre midfield, or moves de facto club captain Martin Odegaard there remains to be seen.
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Whilst the summer transfer hunt is for quality, it is also for depth, and Tielemans provides both, being fierce enough competition to push the performances of Granit Xhaka up a level, but also being good enough to start in his own right.
The links to the Leicester man are concrete, and with the midfielder having eased his demands of Champions League football, Arsenal appear front-runners for the Belgian’s signature. If the 25-year-old is indeed signed, the beginning of the ‘death by a thousand passes’ may well be underway.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Youri Tielemans, Arsenal, Transfers, Leicester City
