Report: Arsenal working on James Maddison deal “behind the scenes”

Arsenal are working behind the scenes on a deal for James Maddison and have explored different ways of structuring the deal.

The Gunners initially offered a player plus cash deal but Leicester only want cash upfront on the negotiating table. A starting fee of £60m is what Leicester want for negotiations to start.

However, according to the AFC Bell Arsenal are trying to avoid spending madly on one player and neglecting any gaps or shortages in one or more of the positions in the squad.

Reports that surfaced recently about Arsenal’s intention to keep Granit Xhaka and Hector Bellerin and offer them new contracts to some extent indicates that Arsenal want to provide sufficient cover in these two areas, allowing the club to focus its resources on strengthening the goalkeeper position and adding a creative midfielder.

Some reports today state that Leicester are looking at possible replacements for James Maddison incase Arsenal present an offer that meets their demands.

So far Arsenal have spent close to £75m on Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Sambi Lokonga. A windfall is expected from the sale of Joe Willock to Newcastle.

The funds from Willock’s transfer will boost Arsenal’s pursuit of their transfer target. The next few weeks could bring a lot, with Arsenal sources repeating: “Just judge our work once the transfer window has closed.”