Arsenal tipped to complete £30million priority transfer after the international break

Arsenal are expected to sign a new central midfielder this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.

The Gunners narrowly missed out on a top-four spot last season but it is unlikely that this will affect their summer transfer plans. Arsenal have already confirmed the signing of Matt Turner and Marquinhos, whilst Alexandre Lacazette, Mateo Guendouzi and Konstantinos Mavropanos have all left the club on permanent deals.

According to reports, the Gunners are ‘in contact’ with Leicester City star Youri Tielemans’ camp with the Belgian midfielder entering the final year of his contract. Both Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with the 25-year-old, who has made more than 100 appearances for the Foxes since signing from Monaco on an initial loan deal in 2019.

READ MORE: Arsenal confirm first summer transfer as Marquinhos joins from Sao Paulo

Belgium outlet HLN via KTH reported that the Gunners have remained ‘in contact’ with Tielemans’ camp with Leicester awaiting an official bid for the midfield playmaker. The report suggests that some officials inside Arsenal are ‘convinced’ a deal can be agreed swiftly with the Foxes after the international break.

The 25-year-old was a key player under Brendan Rodgers despite not playing his best football last season, making a total of 50 appearances, scoring seven goals and registering five assists. Tielemans is a priority target for the Gunners are Arteta looks to increase competition and quality in all areas of his squad heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

Leicester reportedly want a fee in the region of £30million for Tielemans with the Belgian refusing to agree to a new deal at the King Power Stadium and the club wanting to avoid letting the talented midfielder leave on a free transfer next summer. Tielemans joined Leicester in 2019 for £40million and has since made 158 club appearances in all competitions.