Arsenal transfer chief Edu looking at James Maddison alternatives due to ‘very slow’ talks

Rodgers gives update on Maddison amid Arsenal links

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Arsenal chief Edu reportedly continues to be in contact with Leicester over a move for James Maddison with one ‘major sticking point’. The Gunners have already spent close to £75million this summer on Ben White, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares.

Some of that is expected to be recouped in player sales with the likes of Joe Willock, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson among those attracting interest.

Newcastle are pressing ahead with a £25million to sign Willock after he impressed on loan in the second half of last season.

But Arsenal aren’t expected to be finished in terms of incomings before the transfer window closes.

The top priority for Arsenal in the next few weeks is signing a creative midfielder and Maddison has been the main target all summer.

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Leicester have maintained that no bid has been forthcoming so far with Brendan Rodgers insisting Maddison is happy at the club.

“I know he is very happy here and he wants to be here,” Rodgers said.

“If anything comes to the club, Jon Rudkin (director of football) would tell me straight away and I would deal with it then, but there has been nothing that’s come my way.

“I’ve not been told anything to say [he won’t stay]. He is happy in training and he is working hard, and he is a talented, important member of the squad.

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“He had his season disrupted by injury last year but hopefully this season he can show what a real top player he is.”

But football.london report that negotiations are ongoing between Arsenal and Leicester.

It is claimed that talks have been ‘very slow’ with Arsenal so far frustrated in their attempts to sign Maddison.

The main issue for the Gunners is said to be Leicester’s £60million asking price.

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Arsenal have reportedly refused to come anywhere close to that valuation, although Maddison is supposedly keen on a move to north London.

However, Arsenal’s frustrations in dealing with Leicester has reportedly led Edu into looking at ‘cheaper options’.

There is seemingly some fear that a deal with Leicester may not be agreed in time before the transfer window closes.

And Arsenal are desperate to bring in more options to help further up the pitch.

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