Journalist claims Arsenal target would actually prefer a move to Tottenham

Whilst speaking on The Last Word on Spurs podcast, journalist Sami Mokbel claimed that Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans would actually prefer a move to Tottenham rather than Arsenal.

Having reached the final year of his contract with Leicester (TransferMarkt), the 25-year-old has not ruled out a change of scenery this summer, saying that he will “listen to other opportunities” (The Athletic).

Tielemans has been heavily linked with Mikel Arteta’s side, with The Sun reporting that the Gunners were closing in on a £40 million deal for the midfielder.

Although Football.London have suggested in the past that Spurs could make a move for The Belgian international, the signing of Yves Bissouma last month (Sky Sports) has seemingly quelled rumours regarding Tielemans arriving in N17 this summer.

Chief Football Reporter at the Daily Mail, Mokbel discussed Tieleman’s future, expanding on how he sees the situation playing out.

He said (Last Word On Spurs): “I can see Tottenham making a move for Tielemans later in the window. But I don’t think it’s one that they’d look to do at the moment. They’ve definitely got an interest in Tielemans.

“All the indications I’ve had so far this window is that it’s a no on Tielemans. But I’m not so sure. I think there is a deal to be done for Tielemans. But it will be late in the window.

“If there is a club that Tielemans would ideally join, I think he would pick Tottenham over Arsenal, purely because of the whole Champions League thing.

“I don’t know if he’s spoken publicly about it, but I’m led to believe privately that that’s what he wants to do. He wants to go to a club where he can play Champions League football. And obviously, Tottenham would be able to offer him that.”

The 25-year-old has made 158 appearances in three seasons at The King Power Stadium, providing 24 assists and scoring just as many goals (TransferMarkt).

Spurs Web Opinion

With the additions of Perisic, Forster, Bissouma, and Richarlison providing Antonio Conte with strength in depth, I don’t see any issue with Tielemans being thrown in for good measure.

I think that if Conte was to sanction a move for the Belgian, it would be an opportunistic buy later in the window. It feels as though there are more pressing positions to address at the moment.

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