Arsenal are in pole position to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Personal terms agreed

The Belgian will be out of contract at the King Power Stadium at the end of the season, with an exit likely to be on the cards having rejected several new proposals.

The Foxes talisman is a long-term target of Mikel Arteta and has previously even agreed personal terms to join the Premier League giants, though as of yet, a move has failed to materialise.

However, the upcoming window could be about to change that situation if the following fresh update is anything to go by…

The Latest: Arsenal leading the race

According to Football Insider, Arsenal are the ‘current frontrunners’ and ‘well placed’ to sign Tielemans ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Inside sources close to the situation have claimed that it’s ‘unlikely’ he will extend his stay in the Midlands, with the maestro keen to ‘cash in’ on his free agent status.

Newcastle United and Barcelona are also keeping tabs, but it’s the Emirates Stadium outfit who are so far leading the race.

The Verdict: Instead of Rice?

Arsenal are also believed to be in pole position to sign West Ham’s Declan Rice this summer but Tielemans could be the wiser choice.

The Nike-sponsored playmaker has posted 53 goal contributions in 186 matches for Leicester and offers plenty of versatility having operated in six various positions throughout his career.

Rice doesn't share that same versatility and end product as part of his game, and Arsenal already have plenty of cover in the sitting role thanks to the January addition of Jorginho.

The 25-year-old Belgian is also strong in the defensive aspect of his game, where he averages 2.2 tackles per league game, highlighting the impact he can make at both ends of the pitch.

Tielemans has been dubbed an ‘outrageous talent’ by scout Jacek Kulig and it would be a massive coup for Arteta to finally secure the services of his long-term target.