Brendan Rodgers sends message to Arsenal board over James Maddison transfer

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers insists he’s planning for next season with James Maddison, despite speculation that the midfielder could join Arsenal.

The Gunners are keen on signing the playmaker this summer, with Leicester demanding around £60m for Maddison.

That asking price is deemed too high by Arsenal but Leicester’s valuation has not put off the Gunners.

Instead Arsenal have given Leicester the pick of four players to include in a part-exchange deal for Maddison that would see that asking price come down.

The likes of Eddie Nketiah, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson have all been offered to Leicester but the Foxes would rather keep Maddison.

And Rodgers has appeared to echo that sentiment by saying he’s confident of keeping the former Norwich playmaker.

‘I believe that he will stay,’ said Rodgers.

‘He’s working very hard in training. Clearly there’s gossip and speculation at this time of year but he’s an important member of our squad.

‘Hopefully this year he can show the real top player that he is.’

Mikel Arteta identified Maddison after Arsenal struggled in negotiations with Real Madrid for Martin Odegaard.

The Norwegian impressed at the Emirates during the second half of last season and Arteta was keen to sign him on a permanent basis.

However, Madrid seem intent on keeping the playmaker – leading Arsenal to target Maddison.

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