Tottenham Hotspur ‘definitely have an interest’ in Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Spurs are believed to be in the market for a new central midfielder and could turn to the 25-year-old who is expected to be available in a cut-price deal due to his contract situation.
What is the latest news involving Tielemans?
Tielemans’ existing deal is due to expire in June 2023 and he’s not expected to put pen to paper on fresh terms at Leicester, meaning an imminent exit is firmly on the cards.
According to The Times, Tottenham have an interest in the Belgium international, while their local rivals Arsenal are also said to be eager to prise him away from the King Power Stadium.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently provided an update on Tielemans’ situation, stating that the Gunners are ‘still interested’ despite a deal not being imminent.
Romano also revealed that two other clubs are ‘also in the race’ for the creative talent who is definitely leaving Leicester, yet Spurs may have to make a move sooner rather than later.
That’s because The Telegraph claim that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is pushing for club chiefs to make an opening bid worth £25m for Tielemans in order to test the Foxes’ resolve.
What has Jones said about Tottenham?
Tottenham are believed to have made academy graduate Harry Winks available for £25m after slipping down Antonio Conte’s pecking order at Hotspur Way.
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And Jones has confirmed that Tielemans is on the capital club’s radar as they search for replacements but insists it ‘wouldn’t be the end of the world’ if they miss out on his signature.
He told GiveMeSport: “Youri Tielemans’ future is up in the air too. He's got a few clubs interested. Tottenham definitely have an interest there, but it wouldn't be the end of the world if they didn't get him.”
Would Tielemans be a good signing?
Tielemans, who was previously described as "fantastic", has successfully revived his promising career at Leicester after struggling to find his best form at AS Monaco following his switch from boyhood club Anderlecht.
His long-range winner against Chelsea in the 2021 FA Cup final means he has written his name permanently into the Midlands outfit’s folklore, yet he has perhaps outgrown the club now.
As per FBref, Tielemans has ranked in the 94th percentile for total shots, 89th for expected assists, 88th for progressive passes and 85th for shot-creating actions compared to fellow central midfielders over the last year.
The control that Tielemans would bring to the Tottenham engine room may appeal to Conte as he weighs up his options in the upcoming transfer window, therefore, adding another dimension when in possession.