Arsenal are giving the early impression that they are the real deal in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have already agreed to sign Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion, while Albert Sambi Lokonga has joined from Anderlecht.
Mikel Arteta reportedly wants to add more creativity to his midfield, and he has earmarked James Maddison as a perfect fit for that role.
According to the Daily Mail, Maddison has emerged as a ‘key target’ for Arsenal this summer, with Arteta keen to sign a new playmaker.
Leicester City are unwilling to let their prized asset leave and would need to receive a bid of more than £50 million to open negotiations.
The 24-year-old has established himself as an influential midfielder for Brendan Rodgers’ side, and it would take a massive offer to lure him away from the club.
However, the Gunners have come up with a smart transfer plan.
Arsenal would allow a fringe player – such as winger Reiss Nelson – to move in the opposite direction to sweeten the deal.
Nelson, 21, has only one year remaining on his contract at Emirates Stadium and has made only 22 appearances under Arteta.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who Leicester looked at last January, is another player who could be used in part-exchange for Maddison.
Leicester have already done some incredible business this summer.
They have signed Boubakary Soumare, Ryan Bertrand and Patson Daka, and are close to securing a deal for Ozan Kabak.
Having narrowly missed out on the Champions League over the past two years, Rodgers will be keen to keep hold of Maddison.
Also read: Tammy Abraham would be a good signing for Arsenal.
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