Arsenal ‘ahead in bid’ for signing – Gunners could close transfer in January by paying ‘small fee’

Arsenal are ‘ahead of Barcelona in the bid’ to sign Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, as per a report from Spain.

The Belgium international is in his final year of contract at the King Power Stadium and this has attracted Barcelona’s attention.

According to Fichajes.net, the 25-year-old is the ‘new objective’ of Xavi Hernández to strengthen his club’s midfield.

This is mainly because the potential to sign him next summer as a free agent is tempting for the La Liga side. Therefore, Barca have already started negotiations with the Leicester player.

However, the Spanish giants will be joined by Arsenal. For several months, the Gunners have been the club with the ‘best chance of signing’ Brendan Rodgers’ man.

In fact, Fichajes.net explain that except for a major surprise, Arsenal will be Tielemans’ next club. Despite stating this, the website makes it clear ‘nothing is closed’ between the two parties.

The conversations between Mikel Arteta’s side and the Belgian began several months ago and ‘everything seems to be on track’, likely to close the operation.

It’s even explained that Arsenal could close Tielemans’ signing by paying a ‘small fee’ to Leicester in January, in order to ‘avoid last minute surprises’.