Why Arsenal might regret passing on Youri Tielemans

Arsenal has seemingly cooled their interest in Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans with other deals thought to be more of a priority.

After being linked with the Belgian midfielder for what seems like forever, Arsenal’s interest has cooled over the last couple of days, according to GOAL correspondent Charles Watts.

A reported fee of around £25m was thought to be enough to get the deal over the line, but with Arsenal also keen to wrap up deals for Fabio Vieira, Leeds winger Raphinha, and Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez, their move for Tielemans is currently not a priority.

But perhaps it should be.

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Arsenal’s midfield lacks options without Youri Tielemans

Even with the incoming arrival of Vieira and the potential incomings of Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha, Arsenal’s most pressing need is, arguably, in the centre of midfield. With Thomas Partey somewhat injury-plagued over the last two seasons and Granit Xhaka currently the number one choice to play the left-sided #8 role, Mikel Arteta’s stocks are rather thin.

Adding someone like Tielemans is vital for the Gunners. His profile would be welcomed at the Emirates. His incredible passing range, ability to control games and goal threat from distance render him an ideal option to usurp Xhaka in Arteta’s XI.

Given the fee is rather low, a chance to sign a player who would quickly raise the bar of the team is something that can’t be missed. With Arsenal now adding the Europa League to their 2022/23 schedule, strength in depth is paramount.

Should Tielemans be added to the Gunners squad, it would help alleviate some of the strain on Partey and might even relegate Xhaka to the bench. Having someone of the Belgian’s calibre is pivotal to Arsenal having more of a say on the title race and the Europa League as well.

His regular stellar showings for Belgium suggest he would fit in seamlessly into the Arsenal setup, and if the Gunners do not act, then it could be looked at as a massive chance gone begging.

While all the attacking signings are wonderful with Vieira, Jesus, and perhaps Raphinha coming in, the most glaringly obvious area of the team that needs attention is being missed.

At the bare minimum, the Belgian needs to be signed by Arsenal if they are to be making their way up the league table and enjoying both domestic and continental cup runs.

If not, then the likes of Elneny and Xhaka will have to play vital roles across the entire season while hoping Partey does not get injured again.

It is a thought that sends shivers down the spine of every Arsenal fan on the planet.