Arsenal, Man Utd or Real Madrid? Ranking the contenders to sign Tielemans

Robin Bairner

• 2 May 2022 17:41 BST
• 3 min read

Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans remains a much-wanted player as the summer transfer window approaches, with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid all interested in him.

Tielemans has impressed with Leicester over the three-and-a-half years he has been at the club since signing from Monaco in a €45 million deal.

Having proven himself in the Premier League, he is widely considered to be a player capable of making a step up and with just a year left to run on his contract, he is liable to depart.

Where is he likely to find himself next season, bearing in mind there are four main contenders to sign him?

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4. Tottenham

Spurs’ chances of signing Tielemans likely hinge on their ability to finish in the Champions League spots in the Premier League this season. Fail to do that, and any chance they have of capturing the multi-talented midfielder are likely over.

Uncertainty over the club’s managerial situation, with Antonio Conte linked with a departure, cannot help their cause when it comes to signing players there is major competition for.

3. Manchester United

Manchester United have long been linked with a transfer for Tielemans, but their prospects of securing the Belgium international have diminished significantly due to their performance this season.

“Of course, I want to play in the Champions League, just like any footballer,” he told HNL back in March.

While this may not be decisive in the club’s pursuit of the midfielder, it certainly suggests that he could prefer an alternative destination to the Red Devils.

2. Arsenal

Arsenal can check a lot of boxes for Tielemans. For a start, it looks likely that they will be playing in the Champions League next season, while there is clearly a vacancy in the heart of their midfield for a player of his type.

As a team on the up, capturing the Leicester star would be a real coup for the Gunner.

1. Real Madrid

According to Belgian media, Tielemans has a preference to move to Spain, which puts Real Madrid as clear front runners in this case. Their most difficult challenge will be raising the necessary transfer fee.

Certainly, Tielemans would be a useful addition at the Bernabeu, where the aging midfield needs to be gradually replaced over the coming years. To that end, he would be an ideal addition, capable of playing many more years at the top level and becoming part of the Real Madrid furniture.