Mikel Arteta the driving force behind Arsenal's move for Manchester United target: Reports
Mikel Arteta is keen to see Arsenal sign Manchester United target and Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Tielemans has been a key player for Leicester ever since joining them from AS Monaco for £40 million following a successful six-month loan spell in 2019. He has played 158 matches in all competitions for the club, scoring and assisting 24 times each. He has helped them win the 2021 FA Cup once in his time at the club.
However, the midfielder has his deal with the Foxes expiring at the end of the 2022-23 season. His contract situation at the King Power Stadium has led to speculation that he could leave the club this summer.
A move to a rival Premier League club is a potential option for Tielemans, with Arsenal credited with a long-term interest in him. He has also emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United this summer.
However, the Red Devils' interest in the 25-year-old is only 'tentative' as of now, according to the aforementioned source. Meanwhile, Arteta is strongly leading the Gunners' chase for the Belgian.
Despite Arteta's interest, Arsenal are yet to step up their efforts to sign Tielemans from Leicester. As per the aforementioned source, they are in no rush to do so due to Manchester United's current stance.
Belgium link-ups 🔗 https://t.co/TwaZHAc3E0
The north London giants are currently looking to get a deal for Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko across the line. They could turn their attention towards the Leicester midfielder once they announce the Ukrainian's arrival.
In the meantime, it remains to be seen if Erik ten Hag's side intend to step up their interest in Tielemans. They have been working on a deal to sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona for a while now.
Arsenal and Manchester United target Tielemans reluctant to sign contract extension with Leicester
Leicester risk losing Tielemans on a free transfer if they do not sell him this summer. The midfielder has so far refused to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Foxes amidst interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
There have been suggestions that Leicester will look to tie the Belgian down to a one-year deal to avoid him leaving for free next year. It has also been said that the player would be open to the idea if he does not receive a suitable offer this summer.
However, Tielemans remains reluctant to agree to any new long-term deal with the Foxes, as per the report.