Arsenal target James Maddison to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s midfield

Arsenal's recruitment machine has moved into overdrive in recent weeks, and the lastest name on their list is Leicester City's young gun, midfielder James Maddison. The Gunners are seeking to acquire a creative midfielder during the current transfer window and provide the offensive reinforcements to unlock teams who come to the Emirates intent on defending and "parking the bus".

Arsenal has emerged as the newest suitor for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, but Chelsea may be a serious contender to beat Mikel Arteta's side to the player as they also continue to seek to reinforce during the pre-season. However, if Maddison wants to move to London, Arsenal might be the better option, as he will become an instant hit with the supporters who have been starved of genuine creativity in the midfield.

Why Arsenal seem to be a better place for him

He will be guaranteed playing time, whereas at Chelsea, the competition will be intense, and rotation will be the best he can initially hope for. Also, as reported earlier, Arsenal is currently prioritising their midfield creativity ahead of their defensive options, and Maddison will be a good fit for Arteta's team. 

A long transfer season is waiting for the Gunners

Arsenal was also targeting Emi Buendia, but Aston Villa nipped in ahead of Arsenal, and the Argentinian ended up leaving Norwich City for a fee of £25million to join Aston Villa.

Their next target, according to football.london, will be James Maddison, who is a favourite of Mikel Arteta, according to the publication. Chelsea, on the other hand, may see Maddison as a possible replacement for Hakim Ziyech, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. Arteta would seem to hold the aces for the Maddison transfer.

According to various publications, Leicester City's asking price is £60million for their prized possession, which may put the Gunners at a disadvantage in the transfer market. Leicester is renowned for being shrewd negotiators, as evidenced by their refusal to accept less than £50 million for Ben Chilwell and their receipt of £80 million for Harry Maguire to Manchester United in a transfer that broke the transfer record for a centre-half.