James Maddison has been heavily linked with a departure from Leicester City for a couple of years now, and an exit could finally be on the cards
Leicester City star James Maddison has again been linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for Maddison two years ago before opting to sign current club captain Martin Odegaard instead. But with Leicester now relegated from the Premier League, the England international could be available on a bargain price this summer and Mikel Arteta's side are said to be monitoring the talented playmaker's situation at the King Power Stadium.
Maddison has featured 29 times for the Foxes in the Premier League this term, directly contributing towards 19 goals. His impressive performances have courted the interest of several top clubs – one of whom is said to be Mikel Arteta.
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest transfer chatter regarding Maddison and a potential move away from the Foxes this summer.
Newcastle battle
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle and Arsenal are both keen on a potential deal for Maddison this summer.
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano said: “Maddison is 100 per cent leaving the club. Let me mention Newcastle because Newcastle love the player, Newcastle really appreciate him, they are in the race again and he is another player appreciated by Arsenal, these two clubs are interested in the situation of Maddison and I’m sure there will be a fight for this player."
Smith Rowe makeweight?
Arteta is reportedly considering whether or not to include Emile Smith-Rowe in a deal to bring Maddison to Arsenal. According to the Mirror, the Gunners are willing to free up space on their wage bill in order to acquire the Leicester star.
Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding and Reiss Nelson all face increasingly uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium this summer. The report states that Smith Rowe could also be offloaded in the coming weeks with Arsenal in the market for a new attacking midfielder.
Price tag
According to The Telegraph, they're are expected to demand around £50million for the midfielder. However, the CIES Football Observatory have valued Maddison at £26million which is quite the contrast.
Tottenham challenge
Arsenal look set to face tough competition in the race to sign Maddison. According to the Daily Telegraph in April, as quoted by the Independent, Tottenham are leading the chase to wrap up a move.
Maddison message
"I think it definitely can be [a chance for others to shine after a lack of Leicester signings]. In tough times, you need your big players and your top players to grab the team. And stick the team on your back, at times."
Long admirers