KEY POINTS

  • Arsenal plots to add two academy graduates to cover money needed in the James Maddison chase
  • Leicester City seeks a huge amount for Maddison
  • Mikel Arteta may have to broaden options this transfer window

Arsenal continues to prowl the market for talented players, and one name that comes to mind is James Maddison of Leicester City.

But for the Gunners to land him, it would take much to consummate. It appears that something is brewing.

Aware that the Foxes are unlikely to settle for a £50 million fee ($68 million), there are now reports that Arsenal will be adding a couple of players to the mix.

The players that may be included for a Maddison deal are reportedly academy graduates Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, ESPN reported.

Despite their top-flight appearances, adding both Nelson and Maitland-Niles holds no guarantee for the Gunners.

Regardless, it seems Arsenal is willing to take that chance.

The 21-year-old Nelson has made 22 appearances in the English Premier League and 23 in Bundesliga when he was loaned to Hoffenheim.

However, he has yet to get a spot on Arsenal’s first team.

The 23-year-old Maitland-Niles, for his part, spent last season on loan to West Bromwich Albion. He appeared in 26 matches, but the campaign ended in relegation.

Given the run of the two players, it will be interesting if Leicester City would be interested in them.

Head coach Mikel Arteta views Maddison as a key target this summer, someone who is likely to fill the void left by loanee Martin Odegaard. He has since returned to Real Madrid.

Leicester City is open to selling Maddison but wants a £60 million ($81.6 million) fee in exchange.

But with the Gunners already spending a huge fee for Ben White, critics felt that it may be in the best interest of Arsenal to find someone else.

But this was before the idea of adding two players to offset the asking price of the Foxes came into play.

The value of Nelson and Maitland-Niles was not disclosed although it can cover up some of the cash needed by the Gunners.

Socially distanced celebration: Leicester's James Maddison adhered to new protocols on goal celebrations after his strike against Southampton
Socially distanced celebration: Leicester's James Maddison adhered to new protocols on goal celebrations after his strike against Southampton POOL / Tim Keeton

Also unknown at this point is if the Foxes are interested in the two players from Arsenal.

Regardless, it is all about offloading players for Arsenal, who needs to find ways to work around their financial predicament.

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