Arsenal could be forced into making a bid for Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans due to “growing” interest from Manchester United in the Belgian, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The CBS Sports reporter claims that, while there is now serious competition from the Red Devils, the Gunners are still Tielemans’s preferred destination:

Youri Tielemans update. Told Tielemans is more likely than Sergej Milinković-Savić for Arsenal. No truth yet in any bid, though. Man United’s interest is growing and could finally provoke formal offers from both clubs. Tielemans wants Arsenal. But as yet nothing tabled to #LCFC.

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 7, 2022

To be honest, Arsenal’s stance on Tielemans has been rather strange. They have reportedly been in contact with the 25-year-old’s agent for several months, with even personal terms having been agreed ahead of a prospective transfer. Yet, they have been very reluctant to make a formal bid.

It does appear as though manager Mikel Arteta is willing to prioritise other transfers first, which could well come back to haunt the club if a bidding war with other teams ensues.

Tielemans has one year remaining on his contract at Leicester and many assume that the Foxes would accept a fee in the region of £25m to £30m, but United’s involvement could well complicate matters.