According to Charles Watts, Arsenal have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire James Maddison (who they reportedly nearly signed in 2021 before Odegaard’s deal) and should not pass it up. Watts who is familiar with the 26-year-old’s situation at Leicester, on his Goal column, suggests the Englishman would be an ideal alternative for Granit Xhaka in Arteta’s starting lineup. Watts says, “Arsenal do already have Emile Smith Rowe, who will have his eyes on Xhaka’s role, but Maddison feels like the perfect candidate to come in and boost a squad that should, barring a dramatic late collapse, have Champions League football to contend with in 2023-24.”
Although Watts knows getting Maddison would be difficult due to his many suitors, he adds, “If Arsenal are not at the front of that queue, then they really should be.”
Maddison’s present contract at King Power Stadium expires in 2024, and with no indication that he will be extending his stay, he could be moved in the summer. Leicester are unlikely to want to lose another player on a free transfer, especially after Youri Tielemans departs this summer.
Notably, Brendan Rodgers hinted the door is open for Maddison to leave, saying, “Players’ careers are short and they always have to think about the future,” Rodgers said last week, while discussing Maddison’s situation.
“It’d be great (if Maddison signed a new contract). He’s a top player in the league. He’s shown that in his time here, but I won’t be begging for a player to stay.”
What a scouting weekend for Arsenal; if Maddison passes his fitness test, they may take a closer look at him today…
Sam P
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WATCH – Arteta discusses the Leicester challenge, injuries, contracts, new arrivals, and talks a lot about Bukayo Saka being targeted by opposing teams.
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Wrong attitude
Loves himself
Too much
Loves the limelight
Totally silly post! He is plainly extrovert and fully entitled to be.
You are uninformed to claim he “loves himself ” and I notice you offer no evidence for that ludicrous and unfounded claim , as is so often the case when daft minded fans make false claims aginst various players characters.
IF, which I think unlikely , we have any chance to buy him, we would be gaining a massive and hugely talented payer and I for one am all for it.
I discount your post as the nonsense it is!
We won’t be distracted by Brendon Rogers mind game.
The issue at hand is to get all three points at the King Power.
Maddison is a match winner – him and odegaard behind Jesus would be incredible.
I don’t think he would be a suitable replacement.
Firstly, isn’t it ironic trying to replace Mr indestructible with an injury prone player?
Secondly,Arteta requires his left midfielder to have some level of defensive nous. Is Maddison a good defender?
Thirdy,Arteta clearly prefers a left-footed player in the Xhaka role. Maddison is right-footed.
Finally,Maddison is an attacking midfielder by specialty. We already have Odegaard,Viera and ESR for that role. Trossard can play that role too. Wouldn’t it be better to have a specialist CM who has a healthy blend of defensive and attacking attributes as cover/competition for Xhaka?
It would also make much more sense to sign a younger player than Maddison given the age profile of the players Arsenal has been signing in the recent past and the fact that our current CMs are around age 30.