Arsenal tipped to snub James Maddison and sign teammate after £50m report – expert
Arsenal have no interest in re-igniting their pursuit of James Maddison this summer and will instead turn their attentions to his Leicester City teammate Youri Tielemans.
That is the view of former Gunners and Everton striker Kevin Campbell, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Maddison, 25, and his future at the King Power Stadium.
According to the Daily Mail‘s Simon Jones (2 April), the Foxes will consider bids in the region of £50million for Maddison when the transfer window re-opens.
Arsenal failed in a bid to sign the attacking midfielder last summer before striking a deal with Real Madrid for the permanent capture of Martin Odegaard.
Maddison has just over two years remaining on his current contract.
When asked if the Englishman would still be a welcome addition, Campbell told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “I think Youri Tielemans is the one they will be looking at.
“I could be wrong on that but I think the ship has sailed with Maddison. We have Odegaard now so spending another £50million on an attacking midfielder… I just don’t see it.
“Tielemans is a player Arsenal need. He has a different game to Maddison.
“I’m sure Arteta will see him as our type of player. For me, Tielemans is the one and I hope we can get that deal done in the summer.”
Tielemans has contributed seven goals and three assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season.
His contract expires in the summer of 2023.
In other news, a pundit fears Arsenal top-four hopes may be gone after another ‘terrible’ injury update.