Brendan Rodgers deals Arsenal fans a blow with James Maddison update
Brendan Rodgers deals Arsenal fans a blow with James Maddison update
Maddison linked with Arsenal
Arsenal’s search for creativity is well known, with the Gunners in desperate need of an additional spark in their attacks.
Martin Odegaard spent the latter half of last season on loan at The Emirates Stadium, but Real Madrid have as of yet shown little sign of wanting to part ways with the 22 year old again this summer.
As a consequence, Arsenal have allegedly opened negotiations with Leicester City for midfield creator James Maddison, according to football.london writer Chris Wheatley.
Excl: Arsenal have proposed a player plus cash deal for Leicester midfielder James Maddison.
I’m told negotiations are ‘very slow’ and ‘like a game of chess’ but the player is keen on a move to north London.https://t.co/jOGOBDeKTI
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) August 3, 2021
It has since emerged that Leicester rejected any suggestion of player swaps, with the midlands outfit thought to be holding out for the full amount, in cash.
Arsenal dealt double blow
However, the Gunners have been dealt a double blow in their pursuit of the Leicester man. Firstly, Maddison started the in Foxes’ friendly win over Villareal, a brilliant result rendered immaterial by a horrific injury to Wesley Fofana, which will see him miss much of the upcoming season.
That Maddison was front and centre, however, suggests that a move remains some way off, and in the aftermath of the fixture, Brendan Rodgers shut down rumours that Maddison wanted out.
The Leicester Boss said:
“I believe he will stay. Working very hard in training. Clearly gossip and speculation at this time of year. Important member of our squad. Hopefully this year can show the real top player that he is.”
🗣 “He’s happy in training. James [Maddison] is a very important member of our squad.”
Brendan Rodgers believes James Maddison is happy at Leicester City and will stay at the club amidst rumours of a transfer to Arsenal pic.twitter.com/dnjf2vYX1M
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 5, 2021
Comments such as these certainly put a dampener on any hopes the Gunners have of signing the Leicester midfielder, and Arsenal fans will be praying that Rodgers is bluffing.
