Arsenal given huge Youri Tielemans transfer boost as Leicester boss Rodgers admits star has to ‘look at all options’
ARSENAL have been handed a huge boost in their transfer pursuit of Youri Tielemans as Brendan Rodgers admitted the midfielder has to ‘look at all options’.
Speculation surrounding the Belgian ace’s future continues after he entered the final 18 months of his current contract at the King Power.
And Rodgers knows he may have to think about preparing for a time without the influential Tielemans in his side – especially if Leicester miss out on European football next season.
The Northern Irishman said: “You always have to [plan for life without players], that is key. You always have to be looking ahead, that’s important.
“Youri is at an age and at a stage in his contract where he has to ensure he looks at every option.
“I would love it to be here at Leicester, that is natural, but I understand it’s a very short career.
“Once the player is committed, focused and professional it’s never a worry for me.
“With Youri you can see his joy of being here, he loves being here and you have to respect these guys’ careers are short.
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“If we are going to lose one we have to be ready for the next one to come in.”
Tielemans, 24, joined Leicester initially on loan from Monaco in January 2019 and made the deal permanent for a club-record £40million.
He has been a stalwart in midfield, forming a strong partnership with Wilfred Ndidi.
The standout goal from his 23 goals in 131 appearances was the stunning strike that won the Foxes their first FA Cup last May.
Leicester’s management and supporters recognise his ability as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and he is certainly good enough to be strutting his stuff in the Champions League.
After his stunning goal at Brentford earlier in the season, travelling fans chanted ‘sign him up’ as Tielemans applauded the supporters amid talk he had rejected a new offer to extend his stay.
Arsenal are hoping to secure a top-four finish and currently sit fifth in the table with a game in hand on West Ham.
Reports stated the Emirates club have already held talks with the 47-cap star’s representatives.
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Liverpool were linked with a transfer last summer when Gini Wijnaldum left for PSG while Manchester United had contact with his agent before Ralf Rangnick arrived at Old Trafford.
But any club hoping to land the former Anderlecht youngster know they will need to pay a significant fee, even with a year left on his deal come the summer.
Leicester held off the advances of the Gunners for Jamie Vardy and James Maddison while Harry Maguire (£85m), Riyad Mahrez (£60m), Ben Chilwell (£50m) and Danny Drinkwater (£35m) all moved on for big money.