‘Spoke to somebody last night’: Journalist has the very latest about James Maddison and Arsenal

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Peter O’Rourke has told the Football Terrace that Arsenal still class James Maddison as their number one target.

The latest news

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Martin Odegaard in recent days.

However, Maddison has been said to be of interest to the Gunners all summer.

And O’Rourke insists that Arsenal are not moving away from him and towards Odegaard, despite recent reports.

Indeed, the transfer journalist has suggested that Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers is actually becoming increasingly convinced that selling his side’s chief creator may not be such a bad idea.

He said: “I spoke to somebody last night close to James Maddison and they’re still saying that Maddison is the number one target for that number 10 role.

“But again it comes down to the deal. Can they get it done and reach the price tag that Leicester want?

“People have been telling me that Brendan Rodgers is coming round to the idea of letting Maddison go, if it’s the right deal for the club.”

Premier League knowhow

Maddison would have an advantage over Odegaard in the sense that he is Premier League hardened.

Odegaard did, of course, spend six months on loan at Arsenal last season but he was still adapting to the league.

Maddison, on the other hand, would be ready made to step in and make a big impact at the Emirates Stadium.

The 24-year-old provided eight goals and claimed seven assists last term, as Leicester secured a top four spot.

And if Arsenal could pull off a deal for him, it really would highlight their ambition to improve their own standing over the current campaign.