Barcelona fear target has already "given his word" to Arsenal over January transfer

Barcelona fear transfer target Youri Tielemans has already promised he would move to another club in January, with reports suggesting the Belgium star could be moving to Arsenal.

The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League, some five points clear of last year’s champions Manchester City.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to add January recruitments to put up a serious title challenge after the World Cup break.

The Gunners have long been linked with Belgium and Leicester midfielder Tielemans, and have been tipped for a January move for the 25-year-old, with the player’s contract due to run out in the summer.

Barcelona are also said to be interested in the Leicester star, as Xavi Hernandez’s side looks to find a long-term replacement for 34-year-old Sergio Busquets.

The Blaugrana captain is set to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires after 14 years at the heart of the Barca midfield.

“Given his word”

According to Spanish publication Marca, Barcelona are exploring the possibility of signing Tielemans.

The Catalan giants are said to admire the Leicester star’s ability to operate in a number of central midfield positions. Indeed while Tielemans can play a holding role, he can also contribute in the final third, having netted three goals for the Foxes so far this campaign.

Though Barca are hoping to snap Tielemans up on a free next summer, Marca claims that the player is not jumping at the prospect of moving to the La Liga giants.

Xavi’s side reportedly suspect that Tielemans may already have “given his word” to another team, which potentially could be Arsenal.

Barcelona have other names on their shortlist including Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Wolves Ruben Neves.