Pundit urges Leicester City star to reject Arsenal – move would be ‘backwards step’ – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Former Manchester United star Roy Keane has urged James Maddison to stay with Leicester City this summer.
The 24-year-old has been strongly linked with Arsenal, but Keane believes that a move to the Gunners would be a step down for the playmaker.
Arsenal have reportedly offered a player-plus-cash deal to sign Maddison as they are struggling to meet the £60 million asking price.
However, Keane has told ITV that the Foxes star should reject their advances and stay with the Midlands outfit.
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Roy Keane on rumours linking James Maddison to Arsenal
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— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 7, 2021
“Arsenal are a huge club but, at this moment in time, I don’t think it’s a step up for him to leave Leicester, where they are, to go to Arsenal,” he said.
When asked if he thinks joining Arsenal is a sideways step, Keane replied: “Probably backwards, at this moment in time.
“Arsenal are a huge club, but where Leicester are at the moment, trying to challenge for Champions League.
“They’re winning – they won a trophy last year. Arsenal are short.”
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While Arsenal are classed as one of the so-called ‘Big Six’, they have been disappointing in the Premier League over the past few seasons.
By contrast, Leicester are a club on the rise, and Maddison has undoubtedly played a key role in their climb up the ranks.
Keane is spot on with his assessment, with Arsenal still a long way short of the quality needed to challenge for a top-four place.
Leicester currently offer Maddison a better chance of playing in the Champions League, highlighting how far Arsenal have fallen in recent years.
Read: Why Leicester signing is bad news for Liverpool and Arsenal.
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Author:Michael Black