Chelsea could make a move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, with the midfielder’s contract expiring at the end of the season, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Belgium international has been strongly linked with Arsenal, but as he enters the final six months of his contract, his future is still open and Leicester could even sell in January.
With Jorginho and N’Golo Kante both out of contract at the end of the season, Chelsea could explore different midfield options, with a move for Declan Rice prioritised.
This means that they could look to sign a box-to-box option, and Tielemans could arrive as an experienced option for a low fee.
Speaking on the CFC365 Podcast (12.00), Jacobs claimed that whilst Chelsea have not made any significant approach for the midfielder yet, he could be one to keep an eye on for the upcoming windows.
“A dark horse to keep an eye on is someone maybe like a Youri Tielemans, who Arsenal are considering on a free transfer if he doesn’t sign a new deal at Leicester in the summer of 2023,” he stated.
“Potentially a suitor could put down a low-value offer that they think is a bargain, hoping that Leicester take it rather than lose the player on a free.
“Chelsea haven’t made any significant advances on this front but that’s one to watch.”
TIF thoughts on Tielemans…
The 25-year-old is clearly a talented player, having scored a stunning winner against Chelsea to win Leicester the FA Cup in 2021, and his three strikes this season have all been outstanding long-range finishes.
He could suit a box-to-box role at Chelsea, but it remains to be seen whether Leicester want to keep him until the end of the season or are happy to take a fee in January.
Graham Potter could build a three-man midfield with Rice, Tielemans and Mason Mount, and if Chelsea have to battle Arsenal for the Belgian, they could offer more minutes as a first-choice selection.
With 27 goals and 25 assists in 175 appearances for Leicester, he would arrive as a Premier League proven option with age on his side, as a solid replacement for the legendary N’Golo Kante.