Arsenal ready to offer Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Leicester as part of mega James Maddison transfer bid
ARSENAL are prepared to offer Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles as part of a deal to lure Leicester star James Maddison to the Emirates, according to reports.
The Gunners have been linked with the Foxes playmaker as a replacement for Martin Odegaard, who returned to Real Madrid at the end of last season following his loan spell.
And the Gunners have identified Maddison as the perfect fit, leading them to offer Nelson and Maitland-Niles as add-ons in a possible deal.
The Arsenal duo have failed to establish themselves as anything more than fringe players in north London.
According to The Mail, Arsenal believe Leicester are willing to negotiate with them.
However, it is also thought that Brendan Rodgers' side are seeking to secure no less than a huge cash sum for the creative midfielder.
Leicester rejected a bid of £70million for Maddison from another Premier League club last summer.
And since then the club have managed to tie him down to a new £100,000 a week four-year deal.
This makes it extremely tough for Arsenal to lure the English star away from the King Power Stadium.
But the Gunners have already shown they mean business this summer with the acquisition of former Anderlecht midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
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The 21-year-old midfielder has completed a reported £17million move from Anderlecht and will wear the No23 at the Emirates.
Arsenal have confirmed Sambi has signed a 'long-term' contract at the Emirates after being praised by his new manager.
Mikel Arteta told the club's official website: "Albert is a very intelligent player who has shown great maturity in his performances during his development.
"He has been coached well by Vincent Kompany and his team at Anderlecht. I know Vincent very well and he talks so highly about Albert and the positive impact he had to Anderlecht in recent seasons.
"We’re confident Albert’s ready for the next stage in his development and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new member to our squad with his quality and presence."
Sambi was a key member of Anderlecht's squad before his departure, playing 33 games in Belgium's top-flight last term.
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