Arsenal will need to spend ‘top dollar’ if they are to have a chance of signing Youri Tielemans from Leicester City this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke. 

Mikel Arteta has strengthened his side ahead of the new campaign and return of European football but there could still be more to come at the Emirates. 

What’s the latest on Tielemans? 

The 25-year-old has been a pivotal part of Brendan Rodgers’ side since signing from Monaco on an initial loan back in January 2019. 

Since then he has made 158 appearances for the Foxes and scored 28 goals, including a stunning strike against Chelsea to win the 2021 FA Cup. 

But with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2023, speculation has been rife that he will move on this summer with Arsenal leading the chase for his signature. 

Manchester United also hold an interest in the Belgium international and Leicester could apparently be willing to accept as little as £25 million for his services this summer

What has O’Rourke said on Tieleman’s situation? 

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Arteta would like to bring in another midfielder and Tielemans has been the top target throughout the summer, but they're gonna have to see what they can do in the transfer market because Leicester will be looking for top dollar for him. They're not going to be willing to sell them on the cheap, but Leicester also need to sell players this summer as well to raise funds themselves. So there could be an interesting few weeks to see what happens in this potential deal.”

What will Leicester choose to do? 

As O’Rourke alluded to, Leicester are in need of funds if they are to strengthen as a unit this summer following a disappointing 2021-22 campaign. 

At the time of writing no new faces have arrived at the King Power Stadium, however, leaving the powers that be with a conundrum this summer. 

While Tielemans is a pivotal part of Leicester’s game, could cashing in now and using those funds to strengthen the rest of the squad be the wisest move? Money has never been more important in football and no one at the club will want to lose such a valuable asset for nothing. 

Arsenal have held a long-term interest in Tielemans and the player himself reportedly prefers a move to the Emirates over a switch to Old Trafford.

It seems likely that Arteta and Edu will make a move for the player but whether that comes before the Gunners offload unneeded players or not remains to be seen.