‘I was speaking with people involved’: Romano suggests Arsenal can sign truly ‘amazing’ target for £42m

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Fabrizio Romano believes reported Arsenal target Youri Tielemans could cost up to £42million this summer.

The Gunners have been linked with the Leicester ace for a “long time”, according to the transfer guru.

During the January transfer window, Arsenal reportedly held talks with Tielemans’ agent at London Colney.

Meanwhile, 90Min reported in October that Liverpool and Manchester United were also eyeing Tielemans.

Romano says the Belgium international will “99.9 percent” be leaving the King Power at the end of the season.

This is after Tielemans reportedly rejected the chance to extend his contract at the club beyond 2023.

“He loves Premier League football”

Romano, speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, provided an update on the “amazing” midfielder.

“I was speaking with people involved in this story a few days ago,” he told Stephen Howson.

“100 percent he’s not extending the contract and 99.9 percent he’s leaving the club in June. I’m sure the Premier League is an option.

“You mentioned Man United, I say let’s see what happens with Pogba because it depends on Pogba to see what happens with Tielemans for Man United.

“Arsenal have always been interested in Tielemans since long time but let’s see what would be the potential proposal, what Leicester will ask.

“Last summer it was around 60-65m euros (£50-55m), let’s see… this summer, with one year left on his contract maybe it would be 45-50m euros (£38-42m).

“I agree with Steve and I agree with you – the player is amazing.

“So it’s an open situation, I’m told nothing has been agreed on player side with any club. He has proposals from Spain and England.

“He loves Premier League football so i have the feeling staying in the Premier League is a good option for him. But it’s absolutely open.”

“A real complete midfielder”

If Arsenal were to sign Tielemans, they’d be getting a “real complete midfielder”, in Brendan Rodgers’ words.

Ahead of Leicester’s Premier League meeting with Spurs in December, the manager waxed lyrical about his player.

“Youri gives you experience in the team, his courage to take the ball, his knowledge of the game, I can rely on him 150 percent,” he told the Leicester Mercury.

“He creates goals and score goals and has added a defensive side to his game which makes him a real complete midfielder.”