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

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

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

Tielemans would cost £55m less than the Portugal international because CBS Sports reported that the Gunners are currently the first to sign Youri Tielemans. Arsenal reportedly already knew the Belgian wouldn’t sign a new contract and could be available for just £25million.

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The North Londoners are eyeing a central midfielder this summer, football.london understands and Tielemans has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium lately. When asked if he could leave the King Power this summer, the talented playmaker said, via The daily mail: “It is not excluded. I feel very good in 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 there will be one that comes present to me.”

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 which means Edu could be financially strained.

Saving £45m by signing Tielemans could allow Edu to use that money for a new striker or full-back, something the Gunners will be desperate to resolve ahead of next season.

Tielemans has played the most minutes compared to any other player aged 24 or under so far in his career, and that’s by far. Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus drops to second place, having played 10,000 minutes less than the midfielder.

The 24-year-old has been a Premier League regular for three seasons and has played an important role in Leicester’s Champions League push in recent campaigns. The midfielders’ impressive performances saw both Liverpool and Real Madrid interested in him.

More importantly, he has already played 20 Champions League games which shows he has the necessary European experience. With Arsenal striving for a top four finish, this will be an added bonus.

Acquiring Tielemans would be a big move for the Gunners, and having him follow Edu’s recruitment strategy perfectly should give Arsenal the perfect incentive to push hard for a deal. And the fact that he’s available for just £25m means he would prove to be a bargain.

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