Tielemans: I chose Monaco over Arsenal
Reports in England claim that Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans snubbed interest from Arsenal in order to join the French champions this summer.
The 20-year-old has long-since been tipped as a star of the future, having made his professional debut in his homeland with Anderlecht at the age of just 16.
Since then, scouts from every club worth its salt have been to watch the young Belgian, but in the end it was Leonardo Jardim's side who won the race for the player, parting with around £20m for the classy midfielder.
The Belgium international has endured a slow start to life with the French side, having started just three games in all competitions so far this season but he insists that Monaco are the right club for him.
In fact, the former Belgian Young Player of the Year claims that he snubbed other offers during the summer, including one from Arsene Wenger's side, as a move to the Premier League wouldn't have been right for his development.
London-based publication 'The London Evening Standard' quotes Tielemans as having said: “I knew not much was going to change with Arsenal’s squad. 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.”
Will Arsenal be left kicking themselves for missing out on the playmaker?