Arsenal not ready to take James Maddison 'bait' as Arteta faces new obstacle

James Maddison's wage demands are the latest obstacle in the way for Arsenal as they target the Leicester City midfielder.

Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the English midfielder and is one of many players that the club are looking at in his position.

It has been reported that the Foxes' £60million is a stumbling block for the north London club and, while that may be the case, there is also the issue of the salary he would expect if he made the move to the Emirates.

The Athletic claim that the 24-year-old would expect a pay rise from the £110k-a-week deal he is currently on after signing a contract extension at the King Power last year.

James Maddison has been liked with a move to Arsenal this summer ( Image:

Getty Images)

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And with Arsenal's board trying to balance the wage bill, they would have to offload several players before they could accommodate those demands.

The reports state that agents have also been trying to match the Gunners with Maddison given their well-documented need for a new midfielder and Arsenal are not ready to take that 'bait' yet.

Nigel Winterburn reckons the signing of Maddison would be a real statement of intent from his former club.

He told Free Super Tips: "I think where Arsenal are right now, it would be a huge move.

"Leicester have been so consistent in around the top of the league and to pull that player away using the history of Arsenal would be massive.

"We've struggled with our league form, so to bring in someone of that quality would make a strong statement. We are trying to get back to where we want to be which is in that top four and once we're there other options in terms of players start to open up.

"Maddison would be a great signing and a huge statement."