Manchester City have reportedly joined the transfer race for Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans, along with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, as per Fichajes.
Tielemans, 24, has been promising for the Foxes, influencing the midfield as a double pivot and attacking at times with reasonable success. The midfielder’s goal-scoring ability has been on display this season with a G/A of 7( 5 goals + 2 assists) in 16 appearances in the Premier League.
The Belgian’s ability to understand the game from the movement of the ball has been outstanding and has caught the attention of a host of Premier League clubs that are willing to sign the 24-year-old, who could be available at a cut-price of €33 million with his contract at the King Power expiring in 2023.
The likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal are in the mix for the elegant midfielder with the latter pushing hard given the fact that Tielemans would do wonders at the Emirates especially with the Gunners struggling in the midfield. Spanish Giants in Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are the latest to show interest in the Belgian star, the source adds.
Manchester City have been in pursuit of midfield reinforcements lately with Club legend Fernandinho tipped to bid farewell to his stellar career at the end of this season. Rodri will be the only option for Pep Guardiola as a defensive midfielder and Tielemans would be a valuable addition to the squad given his abilities to play as a double pivot, if the occasion demands.
The Gunners could be City’s main competitor to land the Belgian midfield ace, with Mikel Arteta said to be keen to add the 24-year-old to his option in midfield, the source concludes. The signing though would depend on how Arsenal finish their campaign in the Premier League, who are competing with the likes of Manchester United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspurs for the last Champions League spot.
The Skyblues are also said to be planning to sign West Ham skipper Declan Rice as a long haul for the defensive midfielder role and could make way for the Gunners to sign Tielemans.