Arsenal and Liverpool have emerged as the two prime contenders to nab Norwich City start James Maddison this summer. The attacking midfielder has been one of the best players in the Championship this season and outstanding star of what has been a disappointing campaign for the Canaries.
The England under 21 star has scored 14 goals and registered eight assists this season, from a number ten position in a side that are amongst the lowest scorers in the division. His set-piece delivery and the way he can beat a man has lead to Premier League scouts purring over his mercurial talent and desperate to sign him.
Tottenham Hotspur were favourites to sign Maddison when he was at his boyhood hood Coventry City, but Norwich surprising swooped in and got him for around £3 million. First-team football was what the 21-year-old wanted and after a couple of loan spells, first back at Coventry, then Aberdeen, he got his wish.
Norwich boss Daniel Farke has put his trust in the starlet who has made huge strides in the time he has been playing senior football. This grounding has been the making of Maddison. Even at the tender age of 21, he is heading towards 100 senior appearances and his set pieces and quality on the ball is undeniable.
@Madders10 grabs the @SkyBetChamp Goal of the Weekend! #GOTW #JM23
He has the quality and determination to play at the very highest level and although this World Cup has come too early for him, Maddison will be in the England squad before too long. Gareth Southgate will be keeping a close eye on him and Fulham’s youngster Ryan Sessegnon to see if they can make the step up to the Premier League.
Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Chelsea are also in the running to sign this prestigious young talent, but Maddison will want to continue playing first-team football in the Premier League. Spurs may have proved they can do this with Dele Alli but Liverpool are after a replacement for the ageing and injured Adam Lallana, and Maddison fits that bill. Arsenal are also chasing the England starlet but with the uncertainty on who will be the manager next season, it would appear to be a battle between the North London clubs for his signature.
Whoever manages to secure his signature will be getting an experienced young player with bags of talent. In the current market, the asking price of around £25m may just turn out to be a bargain. A future England international and Premier League star, which club will bag this prestigious talent this summer?
