Stan Collymore reacts to James Maddison links with Arsenal

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Stan Collymore has told The Sunday People (8/8; page 58) that he has no idea why James Maddison would be interested in leaving Leicester for Arsenal this summer.

Maddison continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Emirates. Unsurprisingly, Leicester are not planning to let the 24-year-old leave on the cheap.

According to a recent report from the Guardian, he could cost at least £60 million. It comes after a campaign in which Maddison helped the Foxes win the FA Cup and book a spot in this season’s Europa League.

Arsenal meanwhile, endured an extremely disappointing year. Nevertheless, it seems that Maddison is not shutting the door on heading to the Emirates.

That same report from the Guardian noted that Maddison is open to a switch.

Roy Keane suggested Maddison should stay put (broadcast on ITV; 7/8; 16:59). And Collymore has made a similar plea to the attacking midfielder.

“I’ve no idea why James Maddison would leave Leicester City for Arsenal other than the name of the club and tapping into what is apparently a very healthy self-belief,” he told the Sunday People (8/8; page 58).

“Leicester are a well-run club with a very good manager and, in the immediate future, a higher level of competition ahead of them than the Gunners.

“Arsenal were so off the pace of competing last year in the Premier League.”

Arsenal have higher ceiling than Leicester, but Maddison will clearly baffle many if he leaves in this window

Arsenal should have greater potential than Leicester. The Foxes have been outstanding for a number of years.

They have won the Premier League and FA Cup, and competed in the knockout stages of the Champions League in the last five years.

But Arsenal remain the bigger club in a lot of ways. So it is not a huge surprise that Maddison is open to a move.

Having said that, a move would baffle many. As Collymore notes later in the article, Maddison – who earns £100,000-a-week – does not have to leave this year. With his talent, teams will be interested in years to come.

So surely staying at Leicester this summer would be the smarter decision as Arsenal continue to try and build themselves back up.