Mikel Arteta can save £45m as Premier League star gives Arsenal hope amid transfer admittance – Bailey Keogh

Arsenal are in the hunt for a midfielder in the transfer window in order to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s options in the middle of the park. The Gunners have been linked to multiple Premier League midfielders, but Youri Tielemans seems to be the most likely especially after the recent developments surrounding Ruben Neves.

According to the Telegraph, Wolves are demanding around £70million for Neves in the summer transfer window. This comes after constant reports linking the midfielder to both Arsenal and Manchester United.

Tielemans would cost £55million less than the Portuguese international, as CBS Sports have reported that the Gunners are currently the front runners to sign Youri Tielemans. Arsenal reportedly already know that the Belgian will not sign a new deal and could be available for as little as £25million.

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The north Londoners are looking to a central midfielder this summer, football.london understands and Tielemans has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent times. When asked if he could leave the King Power this summer, the talented playmaker said, via The Daily Mail: “That is not out of the question. I feel very good at Leicester, I was welcomed with open arms from day one.

“I give everything for the club until the last day. But of course you have to listen to other opportunities, you have to look at your career, and sometimes you have to make choices. Maybe one will come my way.”

Deciding to choose Tielemans over Neves certainly makes sense due to the low valuation of the Leicester midfielder. Arsenal will need to strengthen In many departments during the summer transfer window, meaning Edu could be financially strained.

Saving £45million by signing Tielemans could allow Edu to use that money towards a new striker or full-back, which the Gunners will be desperate to address ahead of next season.

Tielemans has played the most minutes compared to any other player at the age of 24 or younger so far in their career, and it is by a large distance. Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus falls in second place, having played 10,000 minutes less than the midfielder.

The 24-year-old has been a regular in the Premier League for the last three seasons and has played a big part in Leicester’s Champions League push over the last few campaigns. The midfielders’ impressive performances have seen the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid show interest in him.

More importantly, he has already played in 20 Champions League games, showing that he has the necessary European experience. With Arsenal striving for their own top-four push, this will be an added bonus.

The acquisition of Tielemans would be a great coup for the Gunners, and the fact that he follows Edu’s recruitment strategy perfectly should give Arsenal the perfect incentive to push hard for a deal. And the fact that he is available for just £25million means he would prove to be a bargain.

Neves would have been the preferable option due to the Portuguese international’s form this season. However, Tielemans is similar in his ability, and the £45million drop-off is too good to wave away for Edu.