Arsenal’s search for a playmaker continues - and James Maddison now appears to be the leading contender.
The Gunners had a void to fill after the departure of Martin Odegaard following the end of his loan spell, although there have been reports he could be available for a return.
But Leicester City star Maddison appears a more realistic option with the Gunners submitting a player-plus-cash proposal to the Foxes earlier this week.
Maddison would add depth to Arsenal ’s attacking options following the emergence of Emile Smith Rowe and likely have a somewhat similar role to Odegaard in Mikel Arteta’s line-up.
If a deal can be completed, Maddison would be given a similar task to that handed to Odegaard when he signed on loan from Real Madrid last January.
And the Norwegian made it clear at the time how simple it was to fit into Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team as a creative midfielder in words which will no doubt be encouraging for Maddison.
In an interview with the club’s official website in April, Odegaard said: “I think the most important thing was how the club and how the manager wants to play and the style.
“As I’ve said many times, I always enjoyed the way Arsenal play football and now especially after Mikel took over, this style suits me really well.
“That was more important than the dream of playing in the Premier League. The most important thing was the club, the style and everything around.”
“I’m having a good time, the manager is great and the team is good. So many good players and the way we play suits me really well.
“I think I’m adapting pretty good to the league and the style so I’m happy.”
Earlier in his stint at the Emirates, Odegaard lavished praise on Arteta and his impact on his development and adaption to the Premier League.
Odegaard said of Arteta in an interview with the Premier League: "Amazing! He is a really, really good coach, really intelligent, [knows] all the details in the game.
"He's a master of seeing the details. And the way he's coaching us and helping us to achieve things, we're lucky to have him.
"So many things to learn [from him], and as I said, about the details, that's something I really like and I find it interesting. So, yeah, it's very nice to have him as a coach.”
If Maddison does join Arsenal, then he will hope for a similarly smooth transition into Arteta’s side and aim to make his mark as Odegaard did before heading back to Spain.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview of YOUR club - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.
