Newcastle interest could force Arsenal to bid for Youri Tielemans – journalist

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Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Arsenal don’t really want to bid for Youri Tielemans this month, but Newcastle United’s interest in him could spark a reaction out of the Gunners.

The Leicester City midfielder has been linked with a move to the Emirates for about a year now. It looked almost certain that he would be on the move in the summer, but no move materialised then.

Tielemans has entered the final six months of his contract, and his name is very popular in the rumour mill again.

Newcastle interest could force Arsenal to bid for Youri Tielemans – journalist

The Northern Echo revealed at the end of December that Newcastle United will make a formal enquiry to sign Tielemans from Leicester City in this month’s transfer window.

The Belgian international, branded as an ‘incredible’ player, seems to have made it clear that he will not sign a new contract at the King Power. He is very likely to leave the club either in the winter window or in the summer – when he becomes a free agent.

Jones has claimed that Arsenal’s plan has been to sign Tielemans for free when his contract expires at the end of this season. They actually have no interest in paying a transfer fee to get him, but Newcastle’s interest could now force them to change their stance and make a move in the coming days.

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “Newcastle’s interest in Tielemans could spark Arsenal into action because if Newcastle were to lodge a bid, that might mean Arsenal have to go and spend money on him.

“They’d prefer not to do that, they’d prefer to wait and get him on a free. But I think if Newcastle did make a bid, then that would make things pretty interesting.”

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Newcastle United’s interest makes things extremely tricky for Arsenal.

It seems pretty clear at this point that they are interested in signing Tielemans, but considering the fact that they have a settled midfield already, it makes very little sense to splash some cash on a player who’ll be available for no money in just six months’ time.

If Newcastle do table a bid, however, Arsenal may have to accelerate their plans. The Magpies look like they’ll finish inside the top four and qualify for the Champions League, which makes them a very attractive option for top players.

We still expect Arsenal to be Tielemans’ preferred option as things stand, but he has waited a long time for a move and we don’t know if he’s willing to wait even longer, especially if a lucrative offer from Newcastle arrives.