Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to rival Arsenal for the signing of James Maddison.
football.london revealed in July of last year that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is an admirer of Maddison, with Martin Odegaard's Real Madrid future looking uncertain at the time following his loan spell at the Emirates Stadium. A source close to Maddison told us that the 24-year-old was 'at the top of the list' for Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
football.london were told that negotiations were 'very slow' and 'like a game of chess' but Maddison remained keen on a move to north London. However, the major sticking point for Arsenal was Leicester's demands of over £60million for the former Norwich and Coventry midfielder.
READ MORE: Arsenal and Edu vindicated on £67m transfer decision as Juventus reality hits Dusan Vlahovic
Arsenal eventually signed Odegaard for £30million, as they chose to leave their Maddison interest behind. Nevertheless, their interest in Maddison remains constant, especially as Arteta looks to strengthen his midfield moving forward. But a move is now under threat as Spurs are reportedly looking to add the England international to their squad.
As per The Sun, both Tottenham and Arsenal are long-term admirers of the playmaker, who is enjoying the best goalscoring season of his Leicester career with 13 strikes. Antonio Conte is a fan of Maddison and he's keen to increase his attacking options.
Having said that, the report adds that the Italian’s No.1 priority is signing a new left-sided centre back, so a move for Maddison may depend on Tottenham being able to sell Tanguy Ndombele and/or Giovani Lo Celso.
There's still a long way to go with any potential transfer, but Maddison would undoubtedly strengthen both sides. Whoever ends up signing him will be all the better for it next season.
