Arsenal have given Leicester City the choice to pick one of four players in an offer for midfielder James Maddison, according to Chris Wheatley of Football London. The Gunners have offered the choice of Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock, and Eddie Nketiah to try and persuade Leicester to part with Maddison.
Arsenal are desperate to add an attacking midfielder to their squad, with Maddison their number one target.
Arsenal Offer Choice of One of Four Players Plus Cash for James Maddison
Mikel Arteta Eager to Bring Attacking Midfielder
Mikel Arteta is determined to bring in an attacking midfielder before the transfer window closes. James Maddison is currently at the top of Arsenal’s list. However, Leicester are not interested in taking any of Arsenal’s players and would prefer a cash-only deal.
The 24-year-old is open to moving to the Emirates. But Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Maddison is happy at the club.
Rodgers said: “The players want to stay. It’s a really exciting time at the club.
“There’s lots of gossip and speculation around but I’m loving working with the guys here, they love being here, and we certainly have no need to sell.
“So I would suspect we’re looking to keep our best players.”
Other options are being looked at. Martin Odegaard, who was on loan at Arsenal last season, remains an option with his future at Real Madrid still up in the air.
Move for James Maddison Makes Sense for Arsenal
The move for James Maddison makes sense for Arsenal. They are crying out for a proven attacking midfielder and he fits the bill. He has been one of Leicester’s key players since joining the club in June 2018. The midfielder has scored 27 goals in 118 appearances for the Foxes.
The English international made a stunning start to last season including a fantastic performance in Leicester’s 5-2 dismantling of Manchester City. He was influential in their push for a European place.
However, in the second half of the season, his form nosedived with injuries playing a large part. He also got himself in hot water with the club and Brendan Rodgers after attending a party with Ayoze Perez and Hamza Choudhury in April, while coronavirus lockdown measures were in place, which resulted in him being dropped and fined.
His lack of form ultimately cost him a spot in England’s Euro 2020 squad. If he can rediscover his best form, he is undoubtedly one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
Move Doesn’t Make Sense for Maddison
The move may make perfect sense for Arsenal but you have to ask yourself why Maddison would want to join Arsenal. Leicester’s current squad is undoubtedly better than Arsenal’s.
Arsenal are currently a mess and look a long way off challenging for silverware. Meanwhile, Leicester looks well set for another run at Champions League qualification, especially with the signings of Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumaré.
Currently, Maddison is in the best place for his development and should try to get his top form back next season and earn a way back into international contention at the East Midlands club.
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