Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to sign a new playmaker and as per the latest updates, the Gunners have shown an interest in Leicester City’s James Maddison.
Four Four Two cites The Sun claiming: “Arsenal could make a move for Leicester attacking midfielder James Maddison this summer, according to reports.
“Mikel Arteta is keen to revamp his squad after a disappointing campaign last time out.
“The Sun cites a report which states that the Gunners are exploring the possibility of bringing the England international to north London.
“It won’t be easy. Maddison is one of Leicester’s star players, even if he was not always ever-present last time out.”
Can Arsenal sign James Maddison?
James Maddison has seen his form dip during the 2020-21 season but the England international still remains one of the top attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
Undoubtedly he will be a fine addition to the Arsenal squad now that Ceballos and Odegaard has returned to Spain but there’s very little chance that the Gunners will be able to get their hands on him.
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Gary Lineker has already urged James Maddison to snub a move to Arsenal as it will be a step back in his career.
He wrote on Twitter: “From my experience, taking a backward step never ends well. @Madders10.”
From my experience, taking a backward step never ends well. @Madders10 https://t.co/3KmIAWxzyq
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) July 11, 2021
And since Arsenal do not have European football to offer, it will be next to impossible for Mikel Arteta to convince James Maddison on a transfer.
Leicester City might have narrowly missed out on Champions League football but the 24-year-old will much rather play in the Europa League than joining a side that finished eighth on the Premier League table last season.
As per TransferMarkt, James Maddison is valued at £49.5m and since Arsenal are planning to spend £50-odd million on Ben White, there’s no way the Gunners board will sanction a move for the Leicester City playmaker as well.
