Arsenal 'lining up January move for Youri Tielemans'

Arsenal are reportedly preparing a January move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.

The Belgium international was strongly linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium over the summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United both believed to have shown an interest.

Tielemans ultimately remained with the Foxes past the deadline, but his contract is due to expire next June, and it appears unlikely that he will be signing an extension with Brendan Rodgers's side.

The speculation surrounding his future is again gathering pace ahead of the January transfer window, and according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, the Gunners are lining up a mid-season move.

Galetti claims that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is determined to boost his midfield options in the middle of the campaign and views Tielemans as the ideal acquisition at the start of 2023.

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However, another English team and two Italian clubs are said to be competing with the Gunners for his signature.

"Youri's been a fantastic professional for us, even though he's in the situation with his contract, he's never wavered with his mentality and what he gives to the team," Leicester boss Rodgers told reporters last week.

"Youri provides the team with a great know-how in the game. He's a wonderful player to work with.

"I'll just continue to work and develop his game while he's here, however long that is. I'd love him to sign another deal and continue his journey here. We'll see in the coming months."

Tielemans has again been an important player for Leicester during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring three times and registering one assist in 15 appearances in all competitions.

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The 25-year-old spent the second half of the 2018-19 campaign on loan at the Foxes from Monaco before completing a permanent move to the club in July 2019.

Tielemans has now featured on 173 occasions for Leicester in all competitions, contributing 27 goals and 25 assists in the process.

The midfielder has worn the captain's armband in each of his side's last five Premier League games, meanwhile, including Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton.

Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in Tielemans, although it appears that the strongest interest is currently arriving from the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal will be bidding to make it three straight wins in all competitions when they head to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.