Arsenal are exploring a cash-plus-player deal for Leicester City’s James Maddison but according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, a cash-only deal is not completely out of the picture either.
The Foxes have already rejected a player-plus-money arrangement which is why Arsenal could think of paying money outright, despite James Maddison being valued at around £70 million.
“Arsenal remain very interested in doing a deal for the Leicester City attacking midfielder, James Maddison,” said Sheth, as per HITC.
“One source has told me is that Maddison would be open to the idea – the valuation could be as high as £70 million, which would probably be unrealistic as far as Arsenal are concerned.
“Nonetheless, they are exploring ways a deal could be structured. Could it be cash, plus player route?
“A straight cash deal whilst difficult, it’s not impossible. Although, it would rely on Arsenal having to generate funds from elsewhere in their squad. We do know that Joe Willock is of interest to Newcastle. Reiss Nelson, Crystal Palace are interested in him.
“If they can start getting funds and freeing up wages, within that squad, you never know, this potential could be a goer.”
Arsenal really paying £70 million for James Maddison?
Arsenal have already spent big on Ben White which is why they will be reluctant to spend another £70 million on a single player this summer.
But signing a No 10 is the need of the hour for the club and if they cannot bring in someone like Isco or Martin Odegaard then Maddison remains their best bet.
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Leicester City are not keen to take up players like Nelson and Nketiah plus they are in no hurry to cash in on their attacking midfielder.
The onus is now on Arsenal to try and convince Leicester to let James Maddison leave. And the only way they will be able to do it is by putting money on the table.
As per the reports in England, Leicester City will have to pay a hefty commission to Norwich City, the club from which they signed the 24-year-old in 2018. So, there’s no way the Foxes will lower their demands this summer.
Arsenal might have the financial backbone to pay £70 million upfront for James Maddison but if they go ahead with this arrangement then they will struggle to bring in any other new players.
