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Mikel Arteta's opinion emerges as James Maddison's price tag tumbles


Arsenal have emerged as the latest suitor for James Maddison but Chelsea could rival Mikel Arteta’s side for the Leicester City midfielder.

The Gunners’ number one priority is to sign a creative midfielder during the transfer window as they look to add attacking reinforcements for next season.

The North London club were keen on making Martin Odegaard’s loan move permanent after impressing during the second half of the season, but the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid has thrown that in doubt.

Arteta then turned his attention to Emi Buendia who the club had scouted for some time, but the Argentinian ended up joining Aston Villa from Norwich City for £25million.

And now their next target is reportedly Maddison who the Arsenal manager is a big fan of, according to football.london.



James Maddison has been linked with a move to Arsenal
James Maddison has been linked with a move to Arsenal

What is a fair asking price for James Maddison? Comment below

But they could face stiff competition from Chelsea who view Maddison as a potential replacement for Hakim Ziyech, who has been linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer, due to his struggles since arriving from Ajax.

The midfielder’s price tag could be a stumbling block for the Gunners as well as the Foxes claim to want £60million for their prized asset.

Leicester are notoriously shrewd negotiators as they held out for £50m for Ben Chilwell, who went to Chelsea, and also raked in £80m for Harry Maguire as Manchester United smashed the transfer record for a centre-half.

But they might regret not selling Maddison while his stock was high last summer as he looked destined to make the move to Old Trafford.

Leicester were convinced he was a £100m player and. even though a club was not willing to pay that, there’s no doubt his value has dropped significantly, which is reflected in his current price tag of £60m.

It’s been a disappointing season for the 24-year-old who has been hampered with injuries for the most part.



Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants a creative midfielder for next season
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wants a creative midfielder for next season

The good news for Leicester is that Maddison signed a bumper contract in August 2020 and is tied down at the King Power Stadium until 2024, which means they are not in a rush to cash in on him.

Maddison said at the time of penning his extension: “I’m so happy to sign a new contract for this Football Club. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a Leicester City player with so many positive things happening on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be part of that.

“What we’ve achieved as a Club this season is a huge step forward for us and I know there’s so much more to come from this team.

“I’ve enjoyed every moment since joining Leicester City.

“The supporters have been incredible to me and we’ve a fantastic set of players in that dressing room who are determined to show what we’re capable of doing together in both Europe and the Premier League next season.”





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