Arsenal want to play the waiting game and are hopeful that Leicester City star Youri Tielemans will still be available at the end of the January window, transfer insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could welcome reinforcements to the Emirates Stadium during the early stages of 2023.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Arsenal transfer news - Youri Tielemans

According to respected Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, via Football.London, Tielemans is currently in fresh talks with Arsenal over a move from Leicester.

The report suggests the Premier League table-toppers are leading the race to land the central midfielder, who has also been linked with a switch to La Liga giants Barcelona.

But they are facing further competition from Newcastle United, who have held discussions over whether to swoop for Tielemans.

There is ongoing uncertainty over the Belgium international's long-term future as he is set to enter the final six months of his £120,000-per-week Leicester deal, which means he could sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club from January 1.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently told GiveMeSport that a Tielemans switch to Arsenal is 'one to watch' as he has remained on the Gunners' shortlist of targets since the summer.

What has Dean Jones said about Tielemans?

Jones believes Arsenal will not head to the negotiating table with a bid for Tielemans during the early stages of the January transfer window.

The journalist has been given an indication that the north Londoners will bide their time and assess the market before looking to reach an agreement with Leicester.

Jones feels Arsenal could up the ante in their pursuit if Tielemans is still at the King Power Stadium just before the deadline.

Jones told GiveMeSport: "The hunch that I get from speaking to people close to this situation is that Arsenal would prefer to just see this situation play out through January and hope he's still available at the end of it."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Would Tielemans be a good signing for Arsenal?

Tielemans has been handed an average match rating of 6.93 by WhoScored for the Premier League season so far, with James Maddison being the only Leicester teammate to have surpassed that figure.

The 25-year-old has been described as 'one of Europe’s top midfielders' by Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers and that further emphasises that he would be a strong addition to Arsenal's title-chasing squad.

Tielemans would give the Gunners' backline additional protection as Sofascore statistics show he has averaged 2.4 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 0.6 clearances per top flight outing this term.

But he would also add a goal threat after finding the back of the net 69 times and registering a further 59 assists over the course of his senior club career.

With that being the case, Arsenal should not hesitate in attempting to take advantage of Tielemans' contract situation and luring him to the capital.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here