Arsenal: 2 huge boosts in James Maddison transfer pursuit

Despite having an extensive amount of work to do this summer, James Maddison has risen straight to the top of the pile. He might not be the priority at Arsenal or the likeliest addition but he’s the name on everyone’s lips and it’s speculation that will not be dissipating any time soon.

Arsenal do hold a genuine interest in Maddison. While the stories surrounding his potential signing will differ from outlet to outlet, usually regarding price or possibility, there is no denying that Mikel Arteta is a big fan.

A vital position to bolster whether it is Maddison or someone else, Emile Smith Rowe will require help in that department as he can’t fly the creative flag on his own.

Such is his rapid rise and magnificent talent that one can already envisage him and Bukayo Saka belting out the England national anthem together at Wembley in the not so distant future. He is a local theatre star en route to Hollywood.

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Arsenal handed 2 huge boosts in James Maddison transfer pursuit as Mikel Arteta eyes Leicester forward as key summer signing

But he will need help. Smith Rowe doesn’t register the key passes, goals or assists just yet that Arsenal require to boost their weak goal tally and someone else to help bear that mantle is an essential purchase. It won’t shunt him out of the team. It shouldn’t.

Is the Leicester man the player to do that?

The lack of speculation elsewhere is also heightening the anticipation. An area that has to be tended to this window, the other options that have been mentioned to come in as a playmaker are Houssem Aouar, and not much else. It’s all gone very lukewarm with the Frenchman.

Whatever is to come of this particular deal, whether successful or not, is going to be a long and arduous road with an outcome probably arriving much later into the window.

It’s going to be an expensive deal too, one that will require some Kroenke attention, and any boosts for the hopes of signing him will be welcome.

Already it’s been reported that Arsenal are exploring including their Hale End stars in the deal to help reduce the asking price. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson are both up for sale this summer, the latter having just one year left on his contract, and Leicester will be floated the idea.

Fortunately for the Gunners, they’ve been handed a boost with that idea.

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