Arsenal handed ‘huge boost’ over £46million transfer as midfielder deal demands revealed

Arsenal have been handed a “huge boost” over a key target, according to reports.

The Gunners are in the market for reinforcements during the winter trading period, with Mikel Arteta lacking senior options in midfield due to injuries and international call-ups.

And one player believed to be on the radar of the transfer team at the Emirates Stadium is Youri Tielemans of Leicester City.

The Belgian international has now entered the final 18 months of his contract and has been linked with a number of clubs - including Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool - with reports last year suggesting Leicester’s asking price stood at around £46million.

But it’s Arsenal who have been heavily linked with Tielemans in recent weeks, and the Sun now report that the North London side have received a major boost in their pursuit of the 24-year-old.

That’s because Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the midfielder will have to ‘look at all options’ as his contract nears an end.

The Foxes’ boss also admitted that he is constantly planning for the possible departure of key players, and that includes Tielemans.

The former Monaco man isn’t the only midfielder on Arsenal’s radar though, and the Gunners have been heavily linked with a loan move for Juventus’ Arthur Melo.

However, the Serie A side have now reportedly revealed their demands for any potential deal - which involves sourcing a replacement for the Brazilian before an exit is sanctioned.

And the Daily Mail claim that Thomas Partey has been identified as their preferred replacement.

Arsenal, though, are said to be reluctant to allow Partey to leave - even if it paves the way for Melo’s arrival - which could prove a stumbling block to signing the 25-year-old.