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James Maddison: Facts and stats of Arsenal-linked midfielder
Joining Arsenal would significantly boost James Maddison's international credentials, according to former Gunners winger Perry Groves. Maddison was advised against a move to Arsenal by Manchester United legend Roy Keane at the weekend. Mikel Arteta has identified the 24-year-old as a top target as he goes in search of an attacking midfielder.
Arsenal transfer news: Roy Keane has been criticised for his opinion on James Maddison (Image: GETTY/ITV)
"Probably backwards [step] at this moment in time. Arsenal is a huge club. Leicester, where they are challenging for the Champions League, they won a trophy last year. Arsenal are short yet."
However, Groves does not agree with Keane and says Arsenal is still a step up despite finishing below Leicester for the last two seasons.
Groves says Maddison would have the chance to take Arsenal back to their former glory and says a move to the Emirates would only help his push for a regular England spot.
Maddison's only cap for the Three Lions so far came in a 7-0 win over Montenegro in 2019.
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Groves said on talkSPORT: "Roy Keane's being very silly. Very silly man, because Arsenal is a miles bigger club, you're under pressure more when you're at Arsenal.
"Leicester are better on the pitch, they're a better team.
"They are further ahead [on the pitch] but if you're James Maddison, you go to the bigger clubs, you're judged on a different level.
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"If he bought into a project where he could be the No 10, be part of a resurgence of a massive club like Arsenal.
"Arsenal are still a massive club, don't worry about it, with the support around the world, the crowds that go in there, 60,000, the history and tradition.
"Roy Keane's point quite rightly is Leicester are a better team at the moment but if James Maddison goes to Arsenal where you're judged on a different level, he's got more chance of getting in the England squad and the England team if he's playing for Arsenal than if he's playing for Leicester."