Report: Arsenal’s interest in Martin Odegaard has held back move for James Maddison

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal remain keen on signing Leicester City midfielder, James Maddison, despite Leicester wanting mega-money for the England man.

The Foxes are said to be asking for around £70m for Maddison. Brendan Rodgers wants to keep his star attacking midfielder, and will not let him go on the cheap.

Arsenal want Maddison

The Telegraph reports that Maddison is keen on a move. But crucially, they suggest two key factors have held up any Arsenal move for Maddison.

One of those factors – as has been reported previously – is the asking-price from Leicester. That £70m fee is proving a tough one for Arsenal to come up with this summer.

However, The Telegraph also suggests that the Gunners’ retained interest in Martin Odegaard is another factor. Mikel Arteta remains a huge fan of the Norwegian midfielder, and his situation in Madrid seems to change weekly.

Odegaard would undoubtedly be cheaper than Maddison. Madrid need to sell players if they want to sign anyone, meaning they’d likely accept a lower figure for the 22-year-old.

So, while Maddison is high on Arsenal’s shopping list, it seems one eye is being kept firmly on Odegaard. But with time ticking by, the Gunners need to move quickly and decide on their next move.

Arsenal playing a risky game?

The issue for Arsenal here is that they might end up with neither player come the end of August. And that would be a nightmare.

They need a creative midfielder. It’s plain to see, and the Gunners fans have demanded it all summer. Maddison, of course, is brilliant. But then again, Odegaard showed flashes last season too.

Edu and Arteta are now under pressure to deliver. If they end up with nothing, then expect a fan backlash.