Report: Arsenal were put off by ‘incredible’ player’s wage demands, January deal now looks unlikely

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The Telegraph reports that Arsenal were put off by Leicester City star Youri Tielemans’ wage demands over the summer and a January deal now seems unlikely.

Mikel Arteta is seemly prioritising bolstering his attacking options this month after Gabriel Jesus’ injury.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk, while they are said to be keen on wantaway Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix.

But Arsenal may need to turn their attention to the midfield after securing another attacking option and they’ve been long linked with a swoop for Tielemans.

North London looked the most likely destination for the 25-year-old over the summer, but of course, a move never materialised.

Now, it seems that Arsenal were actually put off by the Belgian’s wage demands and could wait until the summer tro try to sign him on a free transfer.

Arsenal put off by Tielemans’ wage demands

Tielemans is approaching the end of his current deal at Leicester and the Foxes risk losing him for free in six-months time. 

The Telegraph reports that the Gunners were considering making an offer for the midfielder over the summer, but nothing happened due to his salary expectations.

Arteta’s men never even opened negotiations with Leicetser as a result and it’s likely that they will wait until the summer to offer him a contract.

Of course, Arsenal are rightly targeting an attacking player after Jesus’ injury but they still need reinforcements in midfield.

If Granit Xhaka or Thomas Partey were to pick up an injury, it would leave Arteta with Mohamed Eleneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga as back-up options.

The Gunners did try to bring in a midfielder over the summer and failed with a deadline day move for Douglas Luiz. But they have understandably shifted their focus for the time being.

If Arsenal could strike a deal with Leicester for Tielemans, he could be a brilliant option in the middle of the park for Arteta.

The Belgian has been ‘incredible’ for Brendan Rodgers’ side and would seemingly be available at a cut-price. Arsenal’s lack of depth in midfield could end up costing them in their push for the Premier League title, so it’s a position they will need to consider before the window shuts.