Arsenal make first James Maddison transfer proposal

Arsenal have placed a new creative midfielder high up on their wishlist this summer and, after weeks of speculation, the first real move to secure that man has been taken with a player plus cash transfer proposal made to Leicester for James Maddison.

August has come around and Arsenal appear to be kicking into gear. A window of frustration has seen three players walk through the doors, albeit with only minor first team improvement, and precious few depart.

Given the worrying state of Mikel Arteta’s squad, the coronavirus-hit finances, difficulties of the market and the Gunners’ lack of European football for the first time in 25 years, incomings and outgoings have, as expected, been proven to be difficult operations.

Maddison, however, has remained in the club’s sights.

Arsenal make first James Maddison transfer proposal with player plus cash deal offered to Leicester to sign £60m forward this summer

Martin Odegaard was always the number one target this window following his strong impression on loan last season, but as the summer has progressed that deal has grown in difficulty despite reports eking out of Real Madrid needing to raise funds to balance their exceptional debt.

The strategy of wanting to bring in a younger profile of player has been evident throughout. Arteta has signed two players at the age of 21 and one further at 23, those who can contribute in the mid to long-term, with Ben White the only one so far who will make an immediate impact.

Maddison fits neatly into the bracket, as well as being homegrown (another key trait) and talk of a move for the Leicester forward has been heavily mooted.

As per football.london’s Chris Wheatley, Arsenal have made their first move.

Arteta is a huge admirer of the 24-year-old, who only signed a contract extension at the King Power Stadium 12 months ago. Tied down until 2024 and at a club who are under no pressure to sell this summer, any deal would require a significant outlay.

In order to counter that, Edu has opened negotiations with the Foxes and proposed a player plus cash offer (as previously rumoured) to lure Maddison to north London. The former Norwich man is said to be ‘at the top of the list’ for Arsenal this summer.

Leicester’s demands of £60m have understandably proven to be the sticking point, hence why the addition of a player in any potential deal is being eyed to reduce the overall expenditure.

The name of the player included has not been listed, and Arsenal also face competition from elsewhere for Maddison. So, the question is, can they pull this off?

Continued…