Arsenal: Aston Villa now in race Newcastle to sign Youri Tielemans with Leicester exit from Premier League

According to rumors, Aston Villa has joined Newcastle and Arsenal in the competition to sign Youri Tielemans.

After being demoted from the Premier League, Leicester announced on Monday that Tielemans and six other players would leave on free agency this summer.

The following players will leave the King Power Stadium: Daniel Amartey, Nampalys Mendy, Ryan Bertrand, Ayoze Perez, and Tete. Caglar Soyuncu is expected to join Atletico Madrid.

The Foxes also disclosed that they have exercised the option to extend Hamza Choudhury’s contract until 2024 and that they are still in talks with captain Jonny Evans over his future.

In his four and a half years with Leicester, Tielemans had a significant role in the club’s fifth-place finishes in back-to-back seasons under Brendan Rodgers. Most notably, Tielemans scored the game-winning goal against Chelsea in the 2021 FA Cup final.

The 26-year-old is still highly regarded and in high demand, with numerous clubs around Europe interested despite the fact that his form has fallen slightly over the past two seasons.

While Declan Rice of West Ham is currently their major target, Arsenal has constantly been connected to the Belgian international. Newcastle is also in the running and can provide Champions League football.

Unai Emery has secured spot for Aston Villa for the Europa Conference League

While Manchester United has shown interest in the past, they are currently working on a deal for Chelsea’s Mason Mount. Tottenham have also been mentioned, but it is unclear what the new manager, Ange Postecoglou, has in mind.

Unai Emery, who was disappointed to not sign a midfielder in January, is reportedly eager to sign Tielemans and expects to make an approach for him shortly, according to The Athletic.

Since taking over for Steven Gerrard at Villa Park last October, the former Arsenal manager has done miracles, leading the team from a relegation battle to European qualification.

Tielemans had previously penned a farewell to Leicester fans, writing: ‘From the first day I set foot on this ground, your warmth and passion embraced me. Victory and triumph, love, hope and even defeat.

‘We’ve shared many special moments together. I am forever grateful for your unwavering support. Thank you to Khun Top, the board, the staff, the players and fans for having given me and my family a home.’