Journalist: Source close to Arsenal says Gunners are 'very confident' of signing 'incredible' player soon

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal have been linked with Leicester’s Youri Tielemans in recent months.

And recent speculation suggests the Gunners are heading in the right direction regarding his signature.

Last month, Fabrizio Romano claimed Arsenal had “opened direct contacts” for potentially signing Tielemans.

And last week, The Mirror claimed the Gunners are confident of landing the Belgium international.

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has corroborated The Mirror’s claim, citing a source “close to the club”.

Apparently, Arsenal are pushing ahead with a move for Tielemans and are “very confident” they can sign him.

In addition, the Belgian has “long had Arsenal in his sights” and Leicester have accepted he’s leaving.

“We’ve managed to get a hold of a source close to the club who confirms that intent that the club are pushing ahead with this, they are very confident of getting him,” Bailey said on the latest episode of Talking Transfers.

“They’ve spoken to the player’s camp at length; Leicester are accepting that the player is going now.

“He’s got a lot of interest from around the world, but I think he fancies a move to London.

“He’s ready for this, he’s long had Arsenal in his sights, Tielemans, and I think he ticks a lot of boxes for Arsenal.”

“You have to listen to other opportunities”

Tielemans, who Brendan Rodgers has deemed “one of Europe’s top midfielders”, left the door open on a summer move earlier this week.

The press asked him about his Leicester future at a press conference ahead of Belgium’s Nations League meeting with Poland.

“(Leaving) is not out of the question,” the Leicester Mercury quoted Tielemans as saying. “But I can also stay.

“I feel very good at Leicester, I was welcomed with open arms from day one. I give everything for the club until the last day.

“But of course you have to listen to other opportunities, you have to look at your career, and sometimes you have to make choices. Maybe one will come my way.”

Could Arsenal land ‘incredible’ midfielder for just £40million?

Arsenal could do with signing a top-quality number eight this summer.

And there aren’t many realistic and attainable targets who are better than Tielemans.

The £40million-rated Belgian, branded as an ‘incredible talent’ by Michael Dawson, ticks so many boxes for Arteta.

He is incredibly talented, versatile, can get goals and assists, and has plenty of Premier League experience.