Youri Tielemans claims he turned down Arsenal switch before joining Monaco

Tielemans was linked to several top sides before joining Monaco
AFP/Getty Images
James Benge25 September 2017

Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans claims he rejected the chance to move to Arsenal this summer.

Former Anderlecht playmaker Tielemans, 20, has been linked to a host of top European sides for several years after breaking into the Belgian giants’ first-team four years ago.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been linked with Tielemans, who joined Monaco for around £20million this summer as a replacement for Stamford Bridge-bound Tiemoue Bakayoko.

But it was Arsenal who gave him the chance to move to the Premier League, though it didn’t take long for Tielemans to dismiss the option.

“I knew not much was going to change with Arsenal’s squad,” he said. “Their management wanted to keep the same group of players together in order to finish high in the Premier League.

“I had to be honest with myself and take a look at the midfielders Arsenal have got. They are top-class players. I knew that I would not get many first-team chances with them, so I didn't give any more thought to joining them.

“I never said no to any club. But I made it clear where I wanted to go.”