’s hopes of signing star Youri Tielemans hinge on whether the Gunners finish in the top four this season.
The 25-year-old is expected to leave the Foxes in the summer, with the Belgian keen to play at a higher level.
Tielemans will have just 12 months to run on his deal at the end of the season and the Foxes will reluctantly listen to offers for the midfielder, who they signed in a deal worth up to £40m in 2019.
Arteta has identified the Belgium international as a priority this summer and the Spaniard feels Tielemans’ box-to-box ability could take the Gunners’ midfield to the next level.
However, while Tielemans is keen on a move to north London, his primary reason for leaving Leicester is to play in the Champions League and he will look elsewhere if the Gunners finish fifth, according to the .
Arteta’s men currently have a four-point lead on rivals Tottenham for the final spot in the top four and the north London rivals face one another on Thursday.
Tielemans has attracted interest from Barcelona and Tottenham but the Belgian will wait until the end of the season before deciding on his next club.
Arsenal believe an offer of around £30m would be enough to prise Tielemans away from the Midlands – should they finish in the top four.
The Foxes hope to spark a bidding war to raise the price closer to their £40m valuation but that will depend on other clubs.
Ruben Neves is a back-up target for the Gunners should Tielemans decide against a move.
