Report: Arsenal target one-cap England star as Odegaard alternative

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Football London understands that Leicester City playmaker James Maddison is a target for Arsenal during the summer transfer window.

The Foxes star endured a frustrating season during 2020/21, starting 24 of Leicester’s 38 Premier League games.

He did enjoy a good season in the of goal contributions though. Maddison scored 11 times and registered 10 assists in all competitions.

The 24-year-old missed out on a place in England’s squad for Euro 2020, although his time will come.

Leicester signed Maddison from Norwich. He cost £20 million during the summer of 2018 and has proved a decent signing.

The exciting No.10 has scored 27 goals and registered 20 assists during 118 appearances for the Foxes.

It is perhaps his potential to thrive in the future that has alerted Arsenal though.

The Gunners looks like they’re fighting a losing battle in their quest to re-sign Martin Odegaard during the summer window.

As a result, other targets will be identified and Maddison looks to be in the club’s sights.

Arsenal are desperate for one or two stellar signings during the summer transfer window.

An eighth place finish during 2020/21 means European football is off the table next season and that simply won’t do.

A club like Arsenal should be competing among Europe’s elite and Mikel Arteta has plenty of work to do.

Maddison to Arsenal: Difficult deal for Gunners to complete

Money does indeed talk in football, but Maddison is a player who needs to be playing in Europe.

His talent dictates as much and heading to Arsenal might not be something he is keen to do at this stage of his career.

Maddison helped the Foxes lift the FA Cup during 2020/21 and under Brendan Rodgers the East Midlands-based club are on the right path.

There is a clear project at the King Power Stadium and perhaps the same can’t be said about Arsenal at the moment.

Maddison is on a good contract at Leicester. He earns £110,000-a-week at the club and would need something really special to catch his eye for him to leave.

Identifying players like Maddison is one thing – and Arsenal can’t be faulted for placing him on their shortlist.

Completing a deal for the Leicester man looks like a bridge too far for the Gunners though.