Premier League club Arsenal faces a dilemma this season as they try to find a way back into Europe. The English club has been offered the option to sign either James Maddison from Leicester or Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid.
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There is a vast difference in the price tag for the two players as Real Madrid will be willing to sell Odegaard for £35 million. On the other hand, Leicester will demand £70 million for Maddison. While Odegaard was good in his loan spell with Arsenal, Maddison has proven to be one of the best CAMs in the world.
James Maddison: An English phenomenon
Maddison was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League when he was fit. Leicester missed him sorely when he was injured, and so did England, who could’ve done better with his creativity in the EURO. Leicester would like to keep their young star as they are consistently competing for the top four now.
Just @Madders10 doing what @Madders10 does 💫#GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/7O8XmdRoSN
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 17, 2021
It would take a bid of over £70m for them even to consider selling the 24-year-old. That is a lot of money and the last time Arsenal shelled out this much money for a player (Nicolas Pepe), it didn’t turn out too well for them. However, there is no doubt that Maddison would galvanize this Arsenal side and help them reach the Champions League again.
Martin Odegaard: The Young Alternative
In Martin Odegaard, Real Madrid has a talent who is at the club at the wrong time, much like Achraf Hakimi and Theo Hernandez before him.
The young Norwegian talent has never spent one full season at the club, and hence, if new manager Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t play him, it would be the end of the road for the young star.
Arsenal will be looking to bring him in this summer because of his cheap price tag. Additionally, he has already spent one season on loan at Arsenal.
Hence, he’ll be easier to integrate than Maddison. His displays were good, and he showed the fans exactly why Real Madrid rate him so highly.
Arsenal always had clear position regarding Martin Ødegaard. He’s always been considered the main target as number 10 – also if ‘complicated’. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
…but if Real Madrid decide to let Ødegaard leave, Arsenal will be ready to make a proposal to sign Martin on permanent deal. https://t.co/YmC4xBtIhT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2021
Signing Odegaard will make more sense for Arsenal, as they have Emile Smith Rowe to play in the #10 spot. Odegaard’s versatility will help him grow along with ESR, and North London will have two great talents on their hands. Who would you sign if you had the option?
