Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has dropped an update on the future of reported Arsenal transfer target Youri Tielemans…
THE LOWDOWN: FOXES KEY MAN
The Foxes have had a season to forget under Brendan Rodgers in the English top-flight, failing to build on last season’s FA Cup triumph – in which the Belgian scored the winner – and falling well short of challenging for Champions League football.
However, they are still amongst the pack for the UEFA Conference League, with their European semi-final second-leg with Jose Mourinho’s Roma to come, a chance to atone for what’s been a rather inconsistent season domestically.
While Tielemans hasn’t necessarily enjoyed his best year for Leicester, he has still continued to be a key man for the King Power outfit, scoring six goals in 25 Premier League starts and averaging 1.1 key passes per game.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club numerous times with his contract expiring in 2023, and a major update has emerged regarding his preferred destination, news which could come as a blow to the Gunners faithful.
THE LATEST: SPAIN PREFERRENCE
In a recent post on Twitter (via The Sun), the Tavolieri revealed that the 24-year-old – who looks set to leave Leicester City at the end of the season – has told those close to him that he would prefer a move to Spain this summer, with Real Madrid believed to be keen on a deal for the Belgium international.
This is sure to come as a huge blow to the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United, all of whom have been credited with an interest in the central midfielder – for whom the Foxes are believed to be demanding an extremely reasonable figure of £25m in order to part with this summer as his contract winds down.
In his tweet, Tavolieri said: “While he should leave Leicester City this summer, Youri Tielemans would have told those around him his preference for a departure to Spain. Real Madrid, interested, could position itself concretely in the coming weeks.”
THE VERDICT: HUGE BLOW
Considering the wonderfully talented footballer Tielemans has developed into since his £40m move to the King Power back in 2019, in addition to the fact that the 24-year-old looks to be available for a very affordable price this summer, the news that the midfielder would prefer a move to Spain is sure to come as a huge blow Mikel Arteta’s side.
Indeed, the £49.5m-rated talent has proven over his 28 Premier League appearances this season just how much ability he possesses, scoring six goals, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.
The £120k-per-week dynamo has also impressed in metrics more typical of his midfield position, registering an average of 0.7 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 43.1 passes, 2.3 long balls and winning 4.8 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per fixture.
These returns have seen the former AS Monaco starlet average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Brendan Rodgers’ second-best player in the English top flight.
Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga remain Arteta’s only first-team options in the middle of the park, and the Spaniard will no doubt be looking to bolster his options with quality.
The 49-time Belgian international playmaker perfectly fits the bill, coming in as an experienced and dynamic alternative who could add more creativity and energy in the middle of the park.
And, when taking into account the fact that the 24-year-old is now available for around half his reported £50m price tag in January, the news the Leicester playmaker is eyeing a move to Spain will undoubtedly be gutting for everyone involved in north London.
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