Arsenal is the 'preferred destination' for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, but a move to the Emirates Stadium will be thrown into doubt if the Gunners fail to qualify for next season's Champions League, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
Mikel Arteta's side will go into the final day of the Premier League campaign sitting two points adrift of arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur and, should they finish in fifth, Arsenal will be made to settle for Europa League football rather than competing in the continent's leading club competition next term.
What's the latest news involving Tielemans?
There is serious doubt over Tielemans' Leicester future as he has failed to agree fresh terms with his current employers and, as things stand, he will enter the final 12 months of his £120,000-per-week contract in a matter of weeks.
According to The Sun, Arsenal are closing in on a £40million deal which will see the central midfielder swap the King Power Stadium for north London.
However, failing to qualify for the Champions League could result in the move being off the table as the report suggests Real Madrid are waiting in the wings if the Gunners do not finish the campaign in the top four.
Tottenham, along with La Liga giants Barcelona, are also keeping tabs on Tielemans’ situation ahead of his expected departure from Leicester.
The 25-year-old has previously admitted he is keen to compete in the Champions League, so the final day of the season could prove pivotal in Arsenal's chase.
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What has Alex Crook said about Tielemans?
Crook understands Tielemans has had his sights set on moving to Arsenal for a prolonged period of time.
However, the talkSPORT reporter feels the Belgian's stance may alter if Champions League football is not heading to the Emirates Stadium next term.
Crook told GIVEMESPORT: "Tottenham will probably end up finishing in the top four, so that might change things.
"But, for a while now, Arsenal has been his preferred destination, so it just depends how important it is for him to be playing in the Champions League if they don't get there."
Why is Tielemans of interest to Arsenal?
Tielemans has an abundance of Premier League experience, so it means he would not need to be given time in order to adjust to the rigours of the English top flight.
He has also enjoyed plenty of success during his time with Leicester, having clinched the FA Cup and Community Shield, so he would bring a winning mentality to Arsenal.
With the 49-cap Belgium international's Foxes contract getting close to its expiry, there is a chance that the Gunners could sign Tielemans for far less than his true value.