Rumours: Arsenal and Chelsea join race for 16-year-old Belgian sensation Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans

Three London clubs are apparently interested in signing two of Belgian’s most promising stars, Youri Tielemans, and his compatriot Dennis Praet.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham apparently sent scouts to watch the pair for Anderlecht during their 5-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, according to the London Evening Standard.

Praet is an attacking midfielder while the 16-year-old Tielemans plays in a deeper midfield role.

The trio of London clubs weren’t the only clubs who were represented at the match with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus all said to be in attendance too.

Praet may be involved in a series of bids in January, but the summer is more likely to be busy for the pair as they both develop throughout the season.

If the duo were to arrive in the Premier League, they would add to the huge influx of Belgian talent currently plying their trade in England’s top flight.

Tielemans is the third youngest player to appear in the Champions League at the tender age of 16. Celestine Babayaro holds the record of being the youngest having appeared aged 16 and 87 days.

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