Arsenal reportedly 'will try' to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans on a free transfer, as Mikel Arteta is 'very interested' in the 25-year-old.

The Lowdown: Arsenal interested in Tielemans

It was reported that the Gunners have held an interest in Tielemans right throughout the January transfer window until now, but the Belgium international preferred to stay at Leicester and see out his contract.

His current deal at the King Power Stadium is set to expire in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent at the end of the season.

The Latest: Arsenal 'will try' for Tielemans

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Rudy Galetti says that Arsenal 'will try' to sign Tielemans on a free transfer this summer, as Arteta remains 'very interested' in the player.

The Italian stated: "Nothing has changed since Nov: #Arteta remains very interested in Youri #Tielemans.

"In the summer transfer market session, #Arsenal will try to convince for a free agent transfer the midfielder, who would like to stay in the #EPL."

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is a no-brainer for Arsenal to sign Tielemans on a free transfer this year.

Mohamed Elneny is out with a long-term injury, while Thomas Partey has been prone to injuries before and recently picked up one which has ruled him out of the last two Premier League games.

Tielemans would add quality cover in the middle of the park, with his manager Brendan Rodgers hailing him as an 'outstanding' player and even claiming that he is 'one of Europe's top midfielders'.

Indeed, the 25-year-old ranks in the top 20% of all midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for a number of key metrics over the past year, including shot-creating actions, blocks, tackles and progressive passes, so to get him for free would be a real bargain for Arteta and Arsenal.