Arsenal did hold “preliminary talks” with Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans but they have been put off by the Belgian’s “massive wage demands”, according to TEAMtalk.

The 26-year-old, who has been capped 58 times by his country, is out of contract at the end of the season and he is set to leave the King Power Stadium on a free transfer.

Other teams, including Newcastle and Liverpool, have also been credited with an interest in Tielemans, but the Gunners have always been seen as the strong favourites for his signature.

From the sound of things, though, the salary being demanded could stop any move from happening. TEAMtalk claim that the midfielder wants a contract that would put him in the “top bracket of earners” at the London club.

As things stand, it appears that, rather than ending up at the Emirates, Tielemans is more likely to move abroad at the end of the season.