James Maddison has already told Mikel Arteta his favourite position amid Arsenal links
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Leicester City and England midfielder James Maddison, and the English international has said he does not see himself as a number ten
JoriPress
James Maddison has already told Arsenal his best position ahead of a possible move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Leicester City star has been linked with a move to north London this summer with Mikel Arteta understood to be a big fan of the attacking midfielder.
Just whether the Gunners can pull off a move for Maddison remains to be seen, but as they weigh up a move for the England international, along with Chelsea, they ought to bear in mind his favourite position.
Maddison is often labelled a number 10, but the 24-year-old believes that is, in fact, not his best position, instead preferring to play as a number eight.
“Number eight definitely,” Maddison once said of his favoured position to LeicestershireLive. “I played as a number 10 at the start of last season, and then when the gaffer [Rodgers] came in, I transitioned into a number eight, and sometimes I play off the left.
“I don’t want to be labelled as a number 10. I’m not a number 10. I can’t remember a game where I’ve played as a number 10 this season, maybe West Ham at home.
“Being a number eight has made me add that defensive side to my game. I’m never going to be a big tackler, I’m never going to go around smashing people.
"It’s that awareness and that responsibility of getting little toes in, little interceptions, because as a number eight you find yourself deeper a lot, so I’ve had to add that.”
Maddison is currently under contract until 2024 at Leicester City.
But while the Midlands club don't put price tags on players they don't want to sell, it's thought it could take around £51million to pull off the deal this summer.
