Arsenal are interested in signing Leicester attacking midfielder James Maddison, according to Football.London reporter Chris Wheatley.

The usually reliable journalist was responding to Twitter rumours that the Gunners could make a move for the 24-year-old, when he said that both Mikel Arteta’s side and Chelsea are keeping tabs on the playmaker:

Seen some rumours about James Maddison to Arsenal tonight.

I’m told that Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of Maddison and he’s certainly a target – but the fee will be an issue.

Chelsea also want him if they lose Ziyech. ? #AFC #CFC

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 15, 2021

It would be an ambitious play by Arsenal, but they do need to show they mean business after missing out on Emi Buendia, as well as seeing their chances of signing Martin Odegaard on a permanent basis fade.

Maddison is currently at a club that narrowly missed out on Champions League football last season, while the Gunners struggled in midtable, but by the end of the campaign, there was only three places, and five points, between the two teams.

Arsenal’s strong end to the season could, therefore, prove influential in persuading Maddison that the London club are moving in the right direction, and can match his ambitions.