The latest on Youri Tielemans’ transfer: EPL or division abroad?

With the January transfer window nearly upon us it is no surprise that Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans’ future at the club is being questioned once more, with clubs able to approach the Belgian international for a pre-contract signing due to him only six months left on his deal. However, there may be an opportunity for a club to swoop in, with a relatively low fee. That is of course, if the Foxes are wanting to cash in, as opposed to allowing him to walk away for free in the summer.

The Sun had previously reported that Barcelona had expressed interest in acquiring the services of 25-year-old despite Tielemans’ alleged preference of staying in the Premier League. But a recent article from Spanish newspaper Sport reported it is Arsenal who are in pole position in the signing of the midfielder.

The North London side allegedly willing to offer £20million to get the deal done. Obviously, the Gunners were heavily linked with Tielemans throughout the summer, but negotiations seemed to be quite stagnant due to LCFC’s unwillingness to lower their asking price of around £25million.

Despite these rumours and Tielemans’ clear intent of wanting a move away from the King Power, it would seem to be fairly naïve to allow the Belgian to leave in January, with Leicester City not yet safe from a potential relegation struggle. It would be very strange if Brendan Rodgers were to ok the sale especially after explicitly saying to the media that he will not be sold in January.

Evidently, the midfielder has also been integral to the East Midlands club’s turnaround, due to Rodgers utilizing his exceptional deep-lying playmaking ability resolving many build-up issues the Foxes have previously had, not just this season, but over the past few campaigns.

The former AS Monaco man’s ability as a six has been exemplary in his clubs last eight games and without a player currently at the club that can replicate this kind of play it would only be to the detriment if he were to be allowed to leave. Even more so to a side in Arsenal who in recent times have been a constant rival for those European spots that Leicester are desperate to be among once more.