Nigel Winterburn has told Goal that he believes Leicester City star James Maddison would fit in Mikel Arteta’s midfield, but finds it concerning that Arsenal’s search is dragging on.
Arteta is desperate for added creativity in the central ranks at the Emirates Stadium this summer. But the Gunners open the new Premier League campaign at Brentford on Friday, having failed to address the issue.
Arsenal have sought a deal with Leicester for Maddison, with football.london reporting Edu offered the Foxes four player in part-exchange. The Gunners Technical Director put forward Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Newcastle-bound Joe Willock.
Arsenal targeted a creative solution in their bid to sign Maddison as they cannot, or will not, pay Leicester’s valuation. Sky Sports report the Foxes want £70m for the England maestro, who is open to moving to north London.
Winterburn believes supporters would soon forget the fee Arsenal may pay for Maddison if the Leicester star proves a hit. The Gunners icon also believes the 24-year-old has potential advantages over Martin Odegaard, who The Athletic claim is Arteta’s top-target.
“I do like James Maddison, I’ve got to admit,” Winterburn said. “He’s someone playing Premier League football, so he knows what it’s all about. The supporters don’t look at the money, they want the best option for Arsenal.
“They don’t want to feel like they’ll sign Odegaard just because he’s cheaper – both would fit. One has a lot of experience in the Premier League, and the other one knows how Arteta and Arsenal work. I am always a bit nervous when these situations drag on, though.”
Leicester demands risk Arsenal pursuit of Maddison falling short
While Arsenal admire Maddison, Leicester demanding £70m risks their pursuit falling short and leaving Arteta without the creativity he craves. The Gunners signed Odegaard on loan in January to solve the need, but must address it with a permanent solution.
Maddison could be that as, like Winterburn says, he knows what’s needed to be a success in the Premier League. The 2021 FA Cup winner has 21 goals and 17 assists in his account over 98 top-flight Foxes appearances.
He has also been a mainstay of Leicester’s matchday squad since joining from Norwich for £22m in 2018. After 36 outings in his debut campaign, Maddison featured in 31 Premier League fixtures during each of the following two. Starting at least 24 each term, as well.
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