Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is the key reason why the Gunners haven’t made a formal bid for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs.

The journalist claims the London club have put everything in place to sign the Belgian, including getting the approval of the player, but Arteta has not given his approval to finalise the transfer:

“If they don’t sign him, it’s not because Tielemans doesn’t want to join, it’s not because the deal can’t be agreed with Leicester, I think Arsenal are very confident if they do come to the table and finally make a bid that they will be able to strike a deal with Leicester, it’s down to Arteta’s desire, and at the moment, he doesn’t want to move.”

It’s a rather surprising turn of events. There have been various claims made as to why Arsenal have hesitated in making an offer for Tielemans.

Some respected sources suggest the Gunners want to free up space in the squad, others have questioned the midfielder’s physicality, but Jacobs suggest it is Arteta who has doubts about the deal.

If they don’t make a move for the 25-year-old soon, though, others will. Leicester are not expected to hold out for a big fee considering he has less than a year remaining on his contract.