Arsenal transfer news: Gunners ‘closing’ on Youri Tielemans as Spanish giants remain in the hunt

Arsenal are reported to be closing in on a £40million swoop for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans but Real Madrid are still in the hunt and could pounce if the Gunners miss out on the top four.

Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his squad in the summer and midfield is a key area. Mohamed Elneny is set to fall out of contract and will leave on a free transfer. Granit Xhaka’s future is also shrouded in doubt so reinforcements are needed.

Tielemans has long been linked and according to reports in the Sun, Arsenal are close to doing a deal. The 25-year-old has just over a year remaining on his current contract.

There is no sign of him penning a new one and the summer is the last real chance for Leicester to cash in and get the big money they think he is worth. The Foxes are tipped to cash in on at least one big name this summer. And Tielemans will be easy to move on such is the amount of interest.

Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid are all said to be in the hunt. But it is the Gunners who are leading the race. The Sun report that as long as Champions League football is achieved, he will sign.

The former Monaco ace has made it clear he wants to play in the Champions League. Should Arsenal miss out, the door will open for Real Madrid.

Los Blancos, who inflicted Champions League heartbreak on Manchester City in midweek, want a new midfielder. Tielemans is an option and they are keeping an eye on developments.

So much is riding on Arsenal’s final four games of the season starting with Leeds on Sunday. After Tottenham drew 1-1 with Liverpool on Saturday, they are in the box seat. A win over Leeds will hand them a four-point lead over Spurs with three games to go.

Tielemans ticks all the boxes as far as a good