£60m player would love to join Arsenal and be their new number 10, journalist suggests

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Peter O’Rourke has suggested on the Football Terrace that James Maddison would ‘love’ to join Arsenal, although his chances of doing so far slim.

Strong links

Arsenal have been linked with the Leicester City playmaker throughout the summer transfer window so far.

The Daily Mail say that he is on the Gunners’ radar.

However, any deal looks complicated due to the price that Leicester would want for Maddison.

And even though O’Rourke thinks that the move could appeal to the England international, he suggests that the transfer may not happen in the immediate future.

“I think it’s a difficult deal to do. I’m sure Maddison would love the opportunity of going to Arsenal, getting the famous number 10 shirt, and doubling his own personal terms as well,” he said.

“But the transfer fee for Maddsion you’re talking about £60 million, and I don’t think Arsenal have got that right now.

“I just can’t see the deal happening.”

Pulling power

The fact that Arsenal still may have the pulling power to land Maddison, despite having no European football, shows the lure of a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.

There is little doubting that Maddison would make an excellent signing for the Gunners.

He scored 11 goals last season and claimed six assists, in a strong campaign.

Arsenal lacked goals from midfield, despite the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe, so Maddison could certainly help them in that regard.

But if Arteta was to land the Leicester man he would have to sacrifice a large chunk of his budget to do so, and that may be restrictive.