Arsenal will try to sign Leicester attacking midfielder James Maddison before the transfer window closes, according to TheAFCBell.
The reliable Twitter ITK claims the Gunners have a fallback plan (with a move for Martin Odegaard being lined up) just in case the deal for Maddison doesn’t work out but the club are determined to sign a new no.10.
Supporters on Twitter are questioning why it has taken so long to sign a playmaker when it is clearly an area of the pitch which is in desperate need of addressing:
GET IT DONE ALREADY!
— Ogi (@blago_blogger) August 17, 2021
please be Madders ??? pic.twitter.com/SytBAuRKWX
— afcchaz (@afcchxz) August 17, 2021
Something they should have done a month ago
— Taona E (@e_taona) August 17, 2021
Wonder wtf were they doing for the past 2.5 months? If they had done their job in the first place, we wouldn't need 'Hectic 2weeks'!!!
— KYAW ZIN (@KYAWZIN06603137) August 17, 2021
Please tell the club that the games during the transfer window actually count for points
— Footy (@GEGENFRESH87) August 17, 2021
As much as Maddison would be amazing, it’s not possible if Odegaard is half the price. To keep throwing Madders in the equation is unfortunately pointless.
— Christian Arendse (@Raptor26791) August 17, 2021
I really don't understand why club pushes everything to the last day, yeah Maddison is good but if Odegaard is there for taking then why are you chasing a shadow, why you are splashing huge money one one player and position, to get Madders on 200k/week with 65-70m isn't a good
— #kroenkeOUT #EkIn (@RyanSamerson) August 17, 2021
I think we will put the bid for Maddison but in the end it's below Leicester demand and the deal eventually collapsed. Unless Maddison put in transfer request
— Rick Sanchez (@yourbirdisblue) August 17, 2021
Leicester’s valuation of Maddison has always been the major sticking point. The Foxes are keen to get £60m to £70m for the 24-year-old and, while the sale of Joe Willock to Newcastle should help fund the deal, it would be a major outlay nonetheless.
Odegaard is likely to cost half the price, and the big question that technical director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta have to answer is whether Maddison is worth the additional cost.
