Arsenal in Youri Tielemans transfer blow with Leicester still hoping midfielder will sign new long-term contract

LEICESTER manager Brendan Rodgers is still optimistic that Youri Tielemans will sign a new contract before the end of the season.

Tielemans, 25, has less than six months remaining on his current deal.

This means that he is now able to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs.

However, Rodgers is confident that he will remain at the King Power Stadium.

During his press conference ahead of Leicester's 1-0 defeat to Fulham on Tuesday, he said: "It has gone on for a while, but it's all based around the player, ultimately.

"His commitment is no less now to what it was when I first came in - if not even more. He's loved his time here and is still loving his time here.

"I respect that he's in his last year, of course I want to tie him down. He's been a brilliant player for this club and is still at a great age. It's something that has to be right for all parties.

"Until I'm told he's not here, we work very well together. He's a coach's dream, with his professionalism and view of the game.

"Nothing changes for me in that aspect, we just continue to hopefully find a resolution to it and have him sign here. I think it's one where we want to do everything we can to convince him to stay."

If Tielemans decides against signing a new deal with the Foxes, he will be free to negotiate a move elsewhere after the final day of the Premier League season.

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Arsenal have already expressed an interest in signing the midfielder, but Mikel Arteta is holding out for a free transfer.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle are also understood to be considering a swoop.