Brendan Rodgers insists James Maddison going nowhere, amid Arsenal links

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Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers, has said that none of his top stars will be going anywhere this summer, amid continued talk of James Maddison and Arsenal.

Maddison, along with fellow midfielder Youri Tielemans, is said to be on the radar of other clubs. Arsenal want Maddison, while Liverpool have been linked with Tielemans.

Indeed, the Gunners are even said to have gained encouragement over a potential deal for Maddison. The Foxes are expected to demand at least £70m for Maddison, however.

And speaking to the Mirror, Leicester boss Rodgers says that the club does not need to sell anyone, especially their top stars.

“In conversations with the club, we don’t have to sell,” Rodgers said. “That’s something that’s been made clear. The players want to stay. It’s a really exciting time at the club,” Rodgers said.

“There’s lots of gossip and speculation around but I’m loving working with the guys here, they love being here, and we certainly have no need to sell. So I would suspect we’re looking to keep our best players.”

While Leicester have previously sold for big money – like when Harry Maguire joined Man United – the Foxes are now regularly challenging for European places. That has strengthened their position considerably.

Arsenal have no chance of Maddison deal, do they?

As the days tick by, it just seems less and less likely that Arsenal make their move for Maddison this summer. The money is massive, and given their other outlays, it just seems so much.

Further, Leicester are in Europe, while Arsenal are not. Sure, the Gunners are a big club, but surely Maddison is best served with the Foxes for now?

Leicester are right to dig their heels here. Big money is needed when it comes to top players, and Maddison is one. And when Arsenal have just spent £50m on Ben White, Leicester’s valuation of Maddison doesn’t seem so silly after all.