According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, Leicester City face a ‘challenge’ in deciding what to do with midfielder Youri Tielemans in January.
The 25-year-old is in the final ten months of his £120,000-per-week contract at the King Power Stadium and has been heavily linked with a move away all summer.
What is the latest news involving Tielemans?
Arsenal was the side strongest linked to Tielemans during the previous transfer window but it seems as though they were put off by Leicester’s £32 million price tag.
Football.London reported back in August that the Gunners are prepared to wait until 54-cap Belgium international’s contract expires in order to snap him up on a free transfer as the Foxes’ demands were deemed too high.
Tielemans has excelled for Leicester in recent weeks following a slow start to the season, and it remains to be seen where he will be plying his trade next term.
What has Jacobs said about Tielemans?
In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jacobs said: “Tielemans is interesting because Leicester has handed him the armband.
“He obviously scored a screamer against Wolves, and you have to kind of ask if Leicester were hoping for £30 million, and then in January, if they’re going to get any kind of fee, it’s obviously not going to be that high, whether it’s more beneficial for Leicester, given their financial constraints and the fact they weren’t able to do too much movement over the summer if it’s just better for Leicester to try and persuade Tielemans to stay for an entire season.
“And then if they lose him on a free, then so be it. And I think that’s the challenge in January, coupled with the fact that Tielemans is focused on the World Cup, and a mid-season move may not actually be what he wants anymore.”
How big a loss would Tielemans be?
Tielemans has racked up three-goal contributions in 12 top-flight appearances for Leicester in the current campaign while putting up some impressive underlying numbers.
According to WhoScored, the talented technician has averaged 2.2 tackles, 0.9 shots, 1.3 key passes, and 0.6 dribbles per league game this season, ranking him in the top four for each metric among his teammates.
Tielemans’ time at Leicester has been rewarded with a Community Shield and FA Cup win, and his absence would leave a significant void in the Midlands club’s midfield.
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