Arsenal leading Man Utd in race for Youri Tielemans transfer as Leicester star admits he wants Champions League football
YOURI TIELEMANS has put Arsenal and Manchester United on red alert after declaring he wishes to play Champions League football.
And that will be a boost to Mikel Arteta with his Gunners side in pole position to finish fourth this season ahead of the Red Devils and rivals Tottenham.
Tielemans faces an uncertain future at the King Power Stadium with the Belgium international having just one year left on his contract.
Arsenal reportedly held talks with the midfielder’s representatives in January over a potential switch to the Emirates.
Meanwhile United have identified the ex-Monaco ace as a cheaper alternative to West Ham’s Declan Rice and Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips.
Tielemans could be sold in the upcoming transfer window with it claimed he has rejected a bumper new deal to stay in the Midlands.
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And in a boost for Arsenal and United, the Foxes are said to have slashed their asking from £60million to just £35m to avoid losing him on a free.
Commenting on his future, Tielemans has revealed he is not thinking about next season, but stressed he wants to be competing for Europe’s premier tournament.
He told Het Laatste Nieuws: “I don’t worry about it [speculation].
“I want to get the most out of myself this season and finish as high as possible with the team.
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“Of course, I want to play in the Champions League, just like any footballer.
“Am I ready for a European top club? I’m ready to get the best out of my career.
“We’ll see what happens next summer, or the summer after that.”
Tielemans has impressed for Leicester this term – chipping in with seven goals and three assists in 36 games in all competitions.