Arsenal vs Leicester: 4 pre-match talking points

3. The James Maddison & Martin Odegaard Narrative

£55m! £60m! £65m! £70m!!!!! Rob Holding plus cash!!!!!!!

The clamour for James Maddison’s signature over the summer was perpetual. Martin Odegaard was viewed as a huge downgrade by large section of the fanbase, many of whom see a price tag and attribute quality to the figure.

Maddison certainly was an interesting option. There was a lot to like. Yet it appeared that the journalists peddling the story were being deceived. Many since the summer believe the Maddison talk was an Arsenal instigated smokescreen to silently lower the Real Madrid’s asking price..

In the end, not one of those previously swayed supporters wishes the club had signed the Leicester man. Much like with Ramsdale, there are some humble pies that you’ll gladly tuck into. He’s the far superior player. No debate.

For Sunday’s game – the first time Maddison will visit the Emirates Stadium since the saga – for the sake of the narrative it would be delightful if Odegaard could put on a storming show, totally outclassing his opposite creative force and etching a grin right across Arteta and everyone else’s faces. No Maddison screamer please, we can’t take.

However, “you’re just a sh*t Martin Odegaard” doesn’t quite work, sadly.

Continued on next page…