Report: Arsenal make move for £110,000-a-week star, Ray Parlour says he’s ‘top quality’

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Arsenal have made the first move to sign James Maddison from Leicester City and are prepared to offer a player in the deal.

Football London has confirmed that Arsenal have now moved for the playmaker, who is thought to be their top target.

What’s the story?

Maddison has been bumped up the shortlist. Martin Odegaard did occupy that spot, although signing him from Real Madrid looks tricky.

The man who spent last season on loan with Arsenal is back at the Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment has complicated things, with the Italian keen to run the rule over the Norway captain.

Now, Maddison is on the radar. Leicester want £60 million for their star man and will offer a player to try and sweeten the deal.

Who could Arsenal offer?

Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah are available for transfer this summer.

It has to be said that none of that trio are likely to overly grab the attention of Leicester.

Alexandre Lacazette is linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium, whilst Ainsley Maitland-Niles might not play much.

The Foxes might fancy a negotiation tactic of their own and ask for one of Lacazette of Maitland-Niles to be included in the deal.

What could Maddison bring to Arsenal?

He’d bring an injection of quality to the final third of the pitch. Odegaard often flattered to deceive last season but Maddison is a proven option.

During 2020/21, he scored 11 goals and registered 10 assists, playing the majority of his football in the No.10 role.

Maddison has one England cap and at 24-years-old he has plenty of time to continue developing.

He is technically brilliant and landing him without European football would make for a remarkable coup.

Summary: Arsenal can’t mess around with Maddison pursuit

This is one deal the Gunners have to get over the line. Maddison has the potential to go all the way to the top and Arsenal badly need him.

Emile Smith Rowe has penned a new deal but he and Maddison can both operate in wide areas.

Maddison earns £110,000-a-week and at £60 million he certainly won’t come cheap.

Back in February, Brendan Rodgers called him ‘immense’ and Arsenal can’t afford to delay in getting this deal over the line.

Ray Parlour is also a fan. Back in April, he told the TalkSPORT Breakfast Show (9am), that he felt he was a ‘top quality’ player.