David James has backed Arsenal to sign the ‘highly-rated’ Leicester City playmaker James Maddison, as he told Sky Sports News (19/08/21 at 11:10 am).
The creative department is an area of concern for Mikel Arteta, but it seems as though it’s a part of the pitch that is about to get some much-needed treatment.
Martin Odegaard is closing in on a return to Arsenal after spending the second half of last season on loan at the club – it seems as though the English club are paying Real Madrid £30 million for his talents.
But other than Odegaard, former England goalkeeper James thinks Maddison is another one the Gunners could add to their ranks if Brendan Rodgers doesn’t see him as a ‘focal’ point at the King Power.
“There is a player with character,” said James. “If I am not mistaken, James Maddison has said that he thinks he’s a ‘great player’.
“And rightly so because he is highly-talented. He’s confident and you would think that’s the sort of winning mentality Arsenal need.
“If Maddison is part of that (in Leicester wanting to win the PL again) then you don’t see why he would want to move.
“But if Brendan Rodgers sees him, not necessarily the focal point of Leicester, then Arsenal would be a suitable move for him.”
Arsenal’s spending may well go above the £100 million mark this summer, which would mean that they have spent more than any other Premier League side.
Of course, that can all change because there is still a significant time left for other clubs to do their business.
But Arsenal signing Maddison, as well as Odegaard, is just simply a pipe dream.
Those in the Emirates boardroom are just about signing a player in Odegaard, who isn’t wanted by Real Madrid, and a Championship keeper in Aaron Ramsdale.
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