Arsenal know full well they need to add a new midfielder to the ranks this summer but they’ve just been beaten by Manchester United to one of the bargains of the window.
Despite Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard all being quality acts in the middle and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence, the Gunners are still looking for a top midfield player.
They’ve already missed out on Sandro Tonali, who signed for Tottenham. Another Newcastle midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes, is also on the radar.
However, out of all the midfielders on the market this summer, Arsenal might have just missed out to Man United for the best fit.
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Youri Tielemans’ to Manchester United is a big blow for Arsenal
With reports suggesting United are going to sign Youri Tielemans for a bargain fee of around £35m this summer, it does beg the question of why Arsenal were never in here.
Tielemans has been one of the most consistently and brilliant performers in the Premier League in recent years.
The Belgian has been instrumental at Villa Park, while for Belgium, he remains one of the first names on the teamsheet in midfield.
Tielemans has also been looked at by Arsenal before and it does make you wonder why Andrea Berta and co were not aware of his release clause here.
Last season, Tielemans played 34 times for Villa, acting as a crucial cog in midfield, especially in Europe, where he helped guide them to trophy winning success.
In terms of what Arsenal need in the here and now, Tielemans ticks so many boxes. Capable both as a number eight or a number six, he has proven time and time again how good he is. Furthermore, he also has a keen eye for goal – 26 goals in 244 PL appearances – coupled with another 37 assists.
In terms of his passing, last season saw him hover around the 89% mark in terms of passing accuracy, more than enough to fit in with Arsenal’s midfielders. Declan Rice, for example, was around the 88% mark.
United will now be getting a solid midfielder in the prime of his career. For Arsenal, this does feel like one that has got away.
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