Chelsea are not currently in negotiations to sign Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Belgian international is a long-term Arsenal target but there have been some suggestions that Chelsea could make their own move for the player. Romano has, though, spoken out to dismiss the claims:

“At the moment there are no negotiations ongoing with Chelsea and Youri Tielemans, despite some claims to the contrary. Of course, Tielemans is a big opportunity on the market so it can change in any moment with any club. I’m sure he’d be a great signing for any European club in general, imagine as free agent! That would be a bargain.”

Tielemans has been on the Gunners’ radar for the best part of a year. Despite being within the last year of his contract, though, the London club have still not made an official bid for the midfielder.

As Romano points out, there is a growing likelihood that the 25-year-old will leave Leicester on a free transfer at the end of the season. Some reports have indicated that Arsenal may decide to wait until the summer to finally secure the midfielder’s signature.

However, it should be noted, that foreign clubs can enter direct talks with the Belgian as early as January 1st, while the Gunners would have to wait until June to make a formal approach.