"He's fully sold on a move to Arsenal" - Ben Jacobs says 25-year-old Premier League star is ready to snub Manchester United and join the Gunnersย
English journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Manchester United target Youri Tielemans is more convinced on a move to Arsenal than the Red Devils.
The Belgian midfielder was one of the Gunners' targets in the summer transfer window but there has been no official bid placed. The club are currently occupied with signing players for other positions, the most prominent of them being Gabriel Jesus.
Tielemans was mooted to join Arsenal after his entourage spoke at large with the Gunners in January. However, complications have arisen after they failed to finish in the Champions League places. However, Jacobs has claimed that Arsenal are the Belgian's preferred destination. He told Give Me Sport:
"He's fully sold on a move to Arsenal, so if Manchester United were to bid for Tielemans, they will only get him if Arsenal decide that's fine, go ahead and take the player. It's not really a head-to-hand.
He added:
"I think that Manchester United's potential interest in Tielemans, which is still to be stood up, could just catalyse Arsenal to make another bid or may have Arsenal say 'I'm sorry, but we're not interested. Go ahead and join Manchester United if you want'."
The delay in the Gunners' move for Tielemans has opened a window for the Red Devils to sign the Belgian. New manager Erik ten Hag is an admirer of the midfielder and would like him to fill the many vacant spots in the middle of the park left by outgoing players.
Manchester United set for transfer blow as Arsenal edge closer to signing Youri Tielemans
Arsenal have already completed the signings of attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira, goalkeeper Matt Turner, and winger Marquinhos. The club have also announced the arrival of Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
The club could attempt to sign a box-to-box midfielder to play alongside Thomas Partey at the center of the park. Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny were able to produce the goods for the club towards the end of last season, but lacked consistency to be deemed as regular starters.
As per football.london, Arsenal are edging closer to completing the signing of Youri Tielemans as they have agreed personal terms with the Leicester midfielder. This could prove to be a major blow to Manchester United.
The Red Devils have had a disappointing summer transfer window thus far. They have only been able to bring in PSV Eindhoven left-back Tyrell Malacia in the window so far among all their targets. Their other long-term midfield target Frenkie de Jong is also yet to part ways with Barcelona, despite negotiations being on for weeks this summer.