James Maddison is one of many Premier League players targeted by Arsenal this summer. The Leicester City playmaker becomes a priority signing for the Gunners as preparations for the new campaign are up and running.
Arsenal is planning to get back to their good old days where at one point they were called the “Invincibles”. Arteta is trying to move pieces around to get a good squad in before the Premier League starts.
With Ødegaard leaving the club and back at Real Madrid, he would probably be transferred out again but his comeback to Arsenal is doubtful.
With this in mind, Arteta is trying to find a player who is different from the rest, a player that can change the game with his quality.
If you’re a Gunner fan those words probably remind you of Mesut Özil, the magician who spent some of his best years at North London. This player is James Maddison, one of the best playmakers in the league these past years.
Surprisingly, the midfielder was not called up by Southgate for Euro 2020 after his good season with Leicester where he contributed with 8 goals and 5 assists in the Foxes run for a European spot.
Maddison is still a young player, he’s only 24 years old and has shown his quality in the Top Flight with the Foxes for three years running.
🗣 "It's true that there is interest in James Maddison."@FabrizioRomano tells us that Arsenal have inquired about the possibility of signing the Leicester star should we fail to sign Ødegaard.
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) June 17, 2021
Watch the full episode now 👉 https://t.co/EbWfN9i9JF#AFTV #AFC #Maddison pic.twitter.com/7E4gR4S3lz
Is Leicester City ready to see Maddison go?
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It is clear that Maddison has been key for Leicester these past three seasons. Alongside Jamie Vardy, they formed an outstanding attacking duo which gave rivals headaches almost every game.
The Foxes have been asking for Philippe Coutinho, a player who is looking for a way out of Barcelona since he’s not in their plans. Coutinho is probably one of the most skillful players that football has these days.
Leicester bid €20 million for the Brazilian which is very low but Barça could consider taking it because of their financial situation and because the player is not in their plans for the future, near or far.
Coutinho already has Premier League experience, he spent 6 seasons at Liverpool where he showed the world his quality and established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League during those days. Some of those seasons were managed by Brendan Rodgers, the current manager of the Foxes so that could be a factor for Coutinho to join Leicester.
After his good run at Liverpool, he went to Barcelona where he had some good spells but just wasn’t comfortable with the way they played him. A move back to the Premier League might be what could get Coutinho back on track.
If the Foxes finish the deal for Coutinho it would be a clear indication that Maddison is leaving the club. Leicester can’t let an opportunity pass to sign a player who was once regarded as one of the best in the world and for only €20 million.
It would be tremendous to see them both on the field in the same team since I think Rodgers can find a way to put Vardy, Coutinho, and Maddison in the starting Xi.
What an attacking trio it would be, surely one of the scariest trios this upcoming season. Arsenal’s offer for Maddison would probably be around the €40-€70 million mark which Leicester most likely wouldn’t reject.
How beneficial is it for both parts?
Now, it is sad for Leicester fans to see one of their best players go but it would be beneficial for both parts if Coutinho comes to Leicester.
The Foxes would sell Maddison but would get Coutinho, making a profit of at least €20-€30 million, which would give them the opportunity to find some more players to strengthen their squad.
In Mikel Arteta’s side, Maddison would be a great addition that would put them in the Top 6 fight again. He’s a player that fits the club perfectly and he can take them to the next level. It is obvious that the Gunners need to do some more business but with Maddison, it’s a good start.
Alongside Aubameyang and Saka, they can make up one of the scariest attacking trios of the league. Also, Maddison with his playmaking ability could help Aubameyang to get back to his best days where he scored 20 plus goals a season.
Arsenal is trying to do big things this summer to shape a new team before the beginning of the season. After their disappointing run last term, they need to be better and have already been interested in players like Ben White, Jesus “Tecatito” Corona, and James Maddison.