Positive reports as Barcelona prepared to hijack 25-year-old Youri Tielemans from Arsenal next summer.
The rumour mill has been in overdrive of late as a host of midfielders continue to be linked with a move to Barcelona. This is a result of the club’s search for a replacement for captain Sergio Busquets, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has emerged as manager Xavi Hernandez’s preferred option for the role, even though he has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract.
However, SPORT reports that the option of signing multiple players in the midfield position is being looked at, at the moment, with Barcelona keeping tabs on several players whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
Youri Tielemans of Leicester City is one of many such midfielders that Barça are keeping an eye on.
The 25-year-old Belgian international’s contract with the Premier League club is nearing its end, and he has made no indication that he will extend it, which has alerted the Catalan giants as well as some other clubs.
Despite the fact that Tielemans is not a pivot midfielder, the report claims that Barcelona has heard good things about him and is considering him as a possible option.
Arsenal, who have long admired the former AS Monaco star and tried to sign him in the previous summer, will also be a factor for the Blaugrana to contend with.
Along with Tielemans, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante of Chelsea have also been linked, with reports suggesting that the former has already been in contact with agents about a move. Although the latter is also valued, his recent injury issues are viewed as a warning sign.
Another name on the list is Ruben Neves, who Barcelona has been offered by superagent Jorge Mendes, who represents the Wolves star.
The Catalans might bring in a player in January and a different player in the summer after Busquets leaves. Only time will tell who would show up at Spotify Camp Nou.
