Arsenal have been linked with James Maddison as a potential alternative to Martin Odegaard, and Gary Neville’s previous comments on the Leicester City star will encourage the Emirates Stadium faithful.
Arsenal interest
Arsenal are looking for an attacking midfielder in the summer transfer window.
One of the players linked with the Gunners is Leicester star Maddison.
Football.London reported last month that the England international playmaker is a target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Well-known and well-respected journalist Fabrizio Romano said on the Don Robbie YouTube channel last month that the 24-year-old “is appreciated as an alternative” if Arsenal cannot get Odegaard back from Real Madrid.
The Norway international attacking midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at the Gunners from Madrid.
Odegaard has announced on Instagram that he is not coming back to the Emirates Stadium.
What Gary Neville said
Former Manchester United and England international defender Gary Neville is a big fan of Maddison.
Last year, the Sky Sports pundit actually compared the 24-year-old to former United and Leeds United star Eric Cantona.
The Manchester Evening News quoted Neville as saying in May 2020: “We’re quick to mention players like Maddison being cocky.
“We used to say it about players like Joe Cole and Matt Le Tissier. Eric Cantona obviously was seen as an arrogant and cocky player.
“Jack Grealish has had it as well and there’s a stigma attached to some players. But actually that’s why they are the players they are. They’ve got flair, ability, they want to look good and look the part.
“They’re brilliant to watch and he [Maddison] is a fantastic player and I’m sure Leicester will be working very hard to make sure they hang on to him.”
Encouraging for Arsenal
Maddison is a very good player who knows the Premier League inside out.
The 24-year-old would make the Gunners a better and more creative team.
Neville’s comparison shows just how highly the Leicester star is rated in the footballing community.
The Leicester no.10 scored eight goals and gave five assists in the Premier League last season.
The 24-year-old also scored two goals and gave one assist in the Europa League.
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