Arsenal genuinely keen to sign £70m ‘really top player’ from PL rival – report – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Arsenal are keen to sign a creative midfielder this summer and have earmarked James Maddison as a potential option for that role.
Earlier this summer, the Gunners made an attempt to sign Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City, but he chose to move to Aston Villa instead.
Martin Odegaard, who impressed on loan from Real Madrid last season, was one of their primary targets for the Gunners. However, he is likely to stay in Madrid after being assured by Carlo Ancelotti that he is in his plans.
According to reports from football.london, the Gunners are heavily interested in signing Maddison from Leicester City. The interest in the classy 24-year-old attacking midfielder is “genuine”.
However, Leicester would demand a transfer fee in excess of £70 million. Arsenal will find it incredibly hard to pull off the deal without some significant player sales first.
Sportslens View
Maddison joined the Foxes from Norwich City in 2018 and has made over 115 appearances across all competitions, scoring 27 goals.
The England international is a fantastic player who is outstanding with his set-piece deliveries. Brendan Rodgers, the Leicester City boss, described him as a “really top player” last season.
Odegaard has ruled himself out of joining the Gunners, and signing a creative midfielder is a priority for Edu and Mikel Arteta this summer. Given his age, quality, and experience, Maddison is perfect for the Gunners.
Arsenal do have Emile Smith-Rowe on their ranks who impressed heavily in the second half of last season. The 20-year-old has been chased by Aston Villa, with two bids already being rejected for him.
It has been claimed that Villa are preparing a third bid for the exciting young talent who is yet to sign a new deal at the Emirates.
Read: Three Arsenal players Patrick Vieira could sign for Crystal Palace
Go to Source
Author:Saikat