By Gabriel Agbonlahor

26th Jun, 2021 | 12:57pm

Agbonlahor: This is what 'I've heard' about Arsenal signing Maddison

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted there is little chance Arsenal can prise James Maddison away from Leicester City.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward claimed Arsenal would not even be able to match the wages Leicester could offer the 24-year-old.

The Daily Mail reported on 16 June Maddison is one of the Gunners’ top transfer targets as they look to replace Martin Odegaard.

Odegaard is unlikely to return to the Emirates after spending the second half of last season on loan from Real Madrid.

It is claimed Arsenal are confident are securing a deal for around £60million for Maddison.

That is despite the fact the England international penned a new long-term contract last summer.

He did not enjoy his best season for the Foxes as he suffered from a hip injury but he still managed eight goals and seven assists in 31 Premier League games.

Maddison has now found the net 21 times and contributed 17 assists in 98 top-flight appearances.

Asked whether he would be tempted by a move to north London, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “I don’t see that happening at all, to be honest.

“Leicester are in Europe, Arsenal aren’t. Leicester are a top-six team, Arsenal aren’t. I just don’t see that happening.

“Leicester can pay very big wages, I’ve heard from people there. Maddison will be on very good money and probably more than Arsenal can pay him, to be honest.

“For me, that transfer doesn’t happen. Not one bit.”

Leicester finished last season in fifth place with Arsenal down in eighth, five points below.

The Foxes also won the FA Cup, their first trophy since lifting the Premier League in 2015.

In other news, a London club is in advanced talks to sign an Arsenal international star.