Arsenal: 2 huge boosts in James Maddison transfer pursuit

Leicester Line Up Matheus Pereira as James Maddison Replacement

There are many was to gain encouragement when pursuing a deal although none can be quite as welcome as when you see the club in question being linked with an apparent replacement.

If you’re a Leicester fan then you wouldn’t be too disheartened to see Matheus Pereira mooted, someone who enjoyed a fine season for West Brom last term despite their relegation. Netting 11 goals, weighing in with six assists and creating 60 chances in a desperately poor side is nothing to be scoffed at. All those figures surpassed Maddison’s tallies.

Links have been around for the Foxes and the Brazilian for most of the summer with talk of a £25m price tag the sticking point. The Maddison money will more than make up for that.

He’s already halfway out the exit door, too.

"“It’s not a secret, Sam Johnstone and Matheus Pereira are the two players who can leave,” Baggies boss Valerien Ismael said. “It’s my expectation they will leave.”"

The latest surrounding the 25-year-old’s future come from Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida, who states that both West Ham and Leicester are ‘very interested’ in signing the playmaker with proposals expected shortly.

Very encouraging indeed. Of course, he could be eyed up to play on the right wing where Ayoze Perez has flattered to deceive, but this has an air of ‘replacement’ about it. These links are still new though and when more arise it will give a better indication of Brendan Rodgers’ thinking.

If Arsenal can agree a deal in principle with the Foxes then it could become a similar situation as it was with Kieran Tierney. The move was sorted with Celtic and Arsenal bode their time while the club sought a replacement. Once found the deal went ahead.

Given this is all coming to life over the past few days, there can be no certainties. No conclusions being jumped to. Other news will trickle through and clarity will be offered.

The early signs are nonetheless positive.