Arsenal have proposed a cash-plus player deal to sign Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, according to journalist Chris Wheatley.
The Englishman has been one of the Foxes’ best players ever since moving there from Norwich City. A creative midfielder capable of finding the back of the net with either foot, the 24-year-old has helped Leicester win an FA Cup.
Wheatley claimed that the Gunners have offered a player along with cash to sign the playmaker although negotiations are moving at a very slow pace. Maddison is keen on joining and the Emirates club also consider the playmaker as their top transfer target.
The journalist further added that the north London club are still interested in Martin Odegaard but will only move for the youngster if a move for Maddison fails to transpire. He said:
“Excl: Arsenal have proposed a player plus cash deal for Leicester midfielder James Maddison. I’m told negotiations are ‘very slow’ and ‘like a game of chess’ but the player is keen on a move to north London.
“Different players have been offered by Arsenal and the figures are dependent on the player exchange. Another London club have made a similar offer for Maddison but the player would be keen on signing for afc. Martin Ødegaard is still an option for Arsenal if they fail to get Maddison this summer.”
Arsenal Fever View
It is great news that the Gunners have taken the first step in bringing Maddison to the Emirates. This is the kind of move that has the potential to transform the fortunes of the team as the midfielder has the right kind of creative presence.
The former Norwich man is a good dribbler, is fast enough to evade the opposition press and has a rocket of a shot on him. He is also capable of linking up play and bring the midfield and attack together; a quality that is sorely needed for the north Londoners as there is often a disconnect when they play.
A creative midfielder is one of the missing pieces for manager Mikel Arteta and the Englishman could be the key that unlocks the full potential of the Spaniard’s setup. It will also be interesting to see how much Leicester want along with the player that has been offered.
For Arsenal to secure the transfer of Maddison, it would be quite a statement and show that the club is serious about getting back to the top. It might take a long time to complete the deal but the Gunners need to give it everything they have to get the player.
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