The summer transfer window saw Arsenal chase several attacking midfielders.
By the end of August, the Gunners had spent more than any other Premier League club and set a new record for spending compared to their previous investments.
Within the approximate £150million layout was the acquisition of Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid. At first, the deal looked unlikely as the Spanish giants were impressed by the Norwegian’s six-month loan spell in north London.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival coincided with a change of heart from the LaLiga champions and Odegaard eventually signed for Arsenal in a deal reported to be worth in the region of £30 million.
One of the other names Arsenal considered was James Maddison. The Leicester City midfielder was subject to a player-plus-cash proposal that was ultimately unsuccessful, football.london understands.
It was evident that the Foxes would only accept a serious financial offer, similar to those that had prised the likes of Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell and Riyad Mahrez away from the King Power Stadium.
Any deal could have been more than double what Odegaard eventually cost the Gunners.
Odegaard has flourished this season, establishing himself as one of the first names in Mikel Arteta’s side. He has gained consistent praise for his leadership both on and off the field and his improvement in front of goal.
Thought of more as a creator, Odegaard has four goals in addition to as many assists this term. Three of the goals came in consecutive matches against Manchester United, Everton and Southampton.
"The ceiling for him, I don't know where it is, with the talent that he has, the desire that he has, how much he wants to always improve and get better. We've got a tremendous player there,” said Arteta in December.
"He is a natural leader. If you look for the perfect professional, he wouldn't be very far from that."
Maddison meanwhile has also had a strong campaign with six goals and three assists in the Premier League. Maddison is Leicester City’s go-to behind Jamie Vardy for goals and assists and coach Brendan Rodgers has created a system that feeds the England international regularly with goalscoring opportunities.
However, it is clear Leicester have been suffering of late and their poor form came to a head in the 4-1 FA Cup fourth-round defeat to east midlands rivals Nottingham Forest.
Maddison played 90 minutes and was unable to impact things. Rodgers spoke scathingly of his entire side and even hinted at possible future consequences in the form of exits should performances not improve.
"Our players have to look at themselves in the mirror and prove they are good enough to be here," said Rodgers.
"A lot of players have to improve. It was an awful performance. I have to apologise to the fans. We needed physicality and authority and lacked it.
He continued, suggesting that perhaps some players have reached their maximum with Leicester.
"Too many players think they are top players but are a long way off," said Rodgers. "Some players may have achieved everything they can here.”
Edu and Mikel Arteta’s choice not to heavily invest in Maddison and instead move for Odegaard continues to be vindicated.
Maddison has not been poor, far from it. But the characteristics of the Norway captain, especially from a mentality perspective, have proved pivotal in positioning Arsenal on the path to a top-four place.
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