Mikel Arteta is reportedly pushing Arsenal to make an opening bid for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, with the 25-year-old having been identified as 'one of his leading summer targets.'
Tielemans endured a tricky campaign, not helped by the speculation that surrounds his future. Out of contract in 2023, it is widely assumed that he will be leaving the King Power this summer, having previously refused a contract extension.
And, to that end, it is Arsenal that are thought to be leading the race for his signature, with the Gunners looking for midfield reinforcements early in the window and keen to agree a cut-price deal for the Leicester man.
As per the Telegraph, while Tielemans 'ideally' wants to play in the Champions League next season, he is warming to the prospect of missing out on Europe's premier competition.
'It is understood Tielemans and his representatives are now open to the prospect of playing in that competition' [the Europa League], they report.
Where will Tielemans go?
It is unclear just how many suitors remain on the tail of Tielemans following his disappointing campaign for the Foxes. Last season, he was linked with Real Madrid and Liverpool, but both now appear to have moved on to chase Monaco midfielder Aurelian Tchouameni instead.
And, should they return, it seems likely that Tielemans would be joining one of them, with Champions League football assured and both midfield's looking in dire need of turnover in places.
At present, however, it does seem to be the Gunners leading the race, and Mikel Arteta is keen to take advantage, reportedly urging the board to make a £25m opening bid for the Leicester man, who was signed for £32m in 2019.
While Leicester are holding out for a fee around what they paid for him, however, the saga could drag on.