Speaking on the Don Robbie YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has shared what he knows about Arsenal’s pursuit of James Maddison.
Reports emerged this week linking the Gunners with a move for the Leicester City star as they try to fill the creative void in their squad.
However, Romano says that Arsenal’s priority is still to sign Martin Odegaard this summer, claiming that Maddison is only seen as an alternative to the 30-cap Norway international.
What’s been said?
Romano shared what he knows about Maddison and Arsenal.
“So, first of all, it’s true that there’s interest in this player (Maddison), and he is appreciated as an alternative if they can’t sign Odegaard. I am told that they are still keen on Odegaard if Real Madrid change their position,” Romano said.
“At the moment, Madrid are saying they want to keep Odegaard and go on with him, but it’s not the final decision, so what I know is that their priority is still Martin Odegaard, if they can’t sign him, Maddison could be one of the opportunities.”
Wrong priority
It’s interesting that Arsenal want Odegaard ahead of Maddison, and we have to feel that they’re prioritising the wrong player in this case.
Now, we’re not saying Odegaard is a bad player. He was actually really good in spells at Arsenal last season, but Maddison is one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League, and he has been for a few years now.
Maddison is a ready-made player, he’s got over 100 Premier League games to his name and he’s proven that he can consistently perform at this level.
Odegaard on the other hand had a patchy six months in the Premier League and he’s not proven his credentials over a long period of time.
In our view, Edu should be looking at Maddison over Odegaard.
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