Granit Xhaka could stop Arsenal from sealing Youri Tieleman transfer | Soccer

Arsenal’s failure to sack Granit Xhaka could cost them a chance to sign Youri Tielemans this summer.
After missing out on qualifying for the Champions League after a late-season collapse, the Gunners embark on an ambitious recruiting campaign.
A £34m deal for Portugal U21 international Fabio Vieira has already been agreed and confirmed by Porto, while America goalkeeper Matt Turner will arrive in time for pre-season training.
Academy graduate Eddie Nketiah has signed a new long-term deal and the club are hoping Bukayo Saka will follow suit, while the Gunners remain hopeful their forward line will be bolstered by Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal are also keen to bolster their midfield engine room after depending on Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny in the latter stages of a season that ultimately ended in failure.
Thomas Partey missed the run-in after suffering another muscle injury but Arteta continues to believe in the Ghana international.
Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans had been identified as Arteta’s first choice to replace Xhaka and just two weeks ago Arsenal were confident of completing a £25m deal for the former Monaco star.
Xhaka almost left Arsenal 12 months ago but a move to Roma fell through after the Serie A club failed to meet the Gunners’ asking price and that escape route is now blocked after Nemanja Matic was reunited with Jose Mourinho earlier this week .
Tielemans, meanwhile, was on the verge of agreeing a deal with Arsenal before the end of last season when it looked like Arteta’s side would book their Champions League return.
Participating in Europe’s elite club competition next season isn’t seen as a deal breaker for Tielemans but he could still opt to extend the remaining 12 months of his contract and choose his club by this time next year, particularly if he plays at the Cup win would impress upcoming World Cup in November.
MORE : Ajax react to Arsenal’s opening bid for key Erik ten Hag transfer target
MORE : Paul Merson leaves two Arsenal stars from his strongest England XI
For more stories like this, visit our sports page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/17/granit-xhaka-could-block-arsenal-from-sealing-youri-tielemans-transfer-16849210/ Granit Xhaka could stop Arsenal from sealing Youri Tieleman transfer | Soccer