Manchester City are a part of the race to sign James Maddison, with Arsenal and Tottenham also vying for the relegated playmaker.
It has only been days since Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League got confirmed, and the vultures have already started to form circles around their best players. According to Daily Mail, Manchester City have joined Arsenal and Tottenham in the race for James Maddison.
Everton’s win over Bournemouth confirmed Leicester City’s expected relegation from the Premier League. The demotion from the top flight will have ramifications every step of the way for the Foxes, starting with the departures of key players.
James Maddison and Harvey Barnes are the prized assets Leicester City will certainly lose, but at what cost? Had they survived, they would have had some power over negotiations. But now, the players will want to leave and continue playing in the top flight.
A host of clubs are already interested in Maddison, including Tottenham. The north Londoners are serious about the relegated playmaker, who has 19 goal contributions this term. However, they face the prospect of competing with Champions League clubs in the summer.
Tottenham might push to sign the attacking midfielder ahead of their rivals. But the task could prove difficult. The England international may want to win trophies and even play in the Champions League. For instance, Arsneal have tracked the playmaker as Mikel Arteta wants an attacking left eight midfield presence considering Granit Xhaka will depart the club soon.
That said, Newcastle United were the early favourites to land the relegated playmaker. They now face adverse competition from Arsenal for Maddison. If things had to get complicated, Manchester City would have now entered the chase.
Pep Guardiola may seek a new playmaker if Ilkay Gundogan departs. There is strong interest from Arsenal and Barcelona in the German midfielder. Manchester City are thus looking at different options, which may now include Maddison.
A move to City will offer Maddison a route to winning trophies right from the off and prove a tempting prospect. Arsenal and Newcastle United could also make strong proposals, while Leicester City will hope to receive at least £40 million in return.
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Prices of over £60 million were reportedly mentioned early on. The Foxes may have to settle for less, even lower than the £40 million mentioned. Maddison has a year left on his deal, thus opening up the opportunity for big clubs to swoop in.
