Transfer News: Chelsea have joined the race to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans
Chelsea have joined rivals Arsenal and Liverpool in race for Leicester City and Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans. This is according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs (h/t Express).
The 25-year-old sees his current contract expire next summer and could leave the Foxes for a cut-fee price in January. It is believed that the midfielder has no intention of extending his stay at the King Power Stadium and has interest from some top clubs.
Arsenal and Liverpool have been the front-runners for his signature for some time now, but the Blues have now joined the race as the dark horses as Graham Potter looks to reinforce his squad ahead of a hectic second half of the season.
Midfielders Jorginho and N’Golo Kante see their current contracts expire at the end of the season and are yet to agree to a new deal. While the former has been playing his part so far, the latter has struggled with fitness and his absence has cost us this season.
It is not all surprising to see the Blues take up an interest in Tielemans. The Belgian international has been crucial to Leicester since making a move there in 2019 from AS Monaco. An experienced Premier League midfielder, the 25-year-old is known for scoring bangers from outside the box.
He did score a screamer and the only goal in last season’s FA Cup final against us, something that the Blues fans will have a painful memory of. He has been a crucial member of Brendon Roger’s side this season with the Midland club struggling in the league.
Potter has Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher as options in the middle of the park, but by adding Tielemans he could make an upgrade to it. Also, a successor is needed for both Jorginho and Kante and the 25-year-old could also help with that.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea handed a major boost in their bid to sign England midfielder Declan Rice
- Transfer News: Chelsea could consider signing Dutch star Memphis Depay in January
- Chelsea told the way they can beat Real Madrid to sign Josko Gvardiol
Should the Blues be able to sign him, the best thing will be the cut-fee price given his contract situation. However, they face tough competition from rival clubs and it will be wise for the Blues to up their interest and make a move for him as soon as possible.