Arsenal could sell three players to fund £60m James Maddison transfer

James Maddison has reportedly emerged as a top target for Arsenal this summer. The Leicester playmaker has also attracted interest from various Premier League clubs over the last year but has shown loyalty to Leicester, who have now forced their way into the top-six following back-to-back fifth-place finishes.

Mikel Arteta wants an attacking midfielder, with the Gunners unlikely to land Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard on a permanent deal after his impressive loan spell in north London.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have now made Maddison their top target as they look to launch an audacious swoop.

Despite struggling with injuries, Maddison managed to register his best-ever goalscoring campaign in the Premier League last season, hitting eight goals for the Foxes and assisting a further five.

He will not come cheap though and the report cites that Leicester are said to reportedly want around £60m for the 24-year-old.

Arsenal will undoubtedly have to raise funds in order to make a move for Maddison, so Express Sport has taken a look at some players that could be sold to make the transfer happen.

JUST IN: Arsenal make James Maddison top transfer target despite ‘£70m bid’

Emile Smith Rowe

Whilst Arteta will be keen to keep hold of Smith Rowe, if a big bid was to come in for the youngster, perhaps it would be wise to sell him in order to fund a move for Maddison.

The Gunners reportedly rejected a £25m bid from Aston Villa for the attacking midfielder this week, with the 20-year-old’s contract expiring in 2023.

Arsenal apparently have no intention in selling Smith Rowe and will do what they can to keep him at the club but, if there is the potential that they could lose him on a free next summer, perhaps they need to rethink this stance.

The academy graduate scored two goals and grabbed four assists in 20 Premier League appearances last term, and could sell for upwards of £40m.

Hector Bellerin

Bellerin looks likely to leave Arsenal this summer, after a decade at the club.

Arsenal are rumoured to want around £20m for the right-back, who looks likely to return to Spain.

Atletico Madrid and Real Betis are among those interested in the 26-year-old.

However, it is the La Liga champions, Atletico, who seemingly have the best chance of landing Bellerin if Kieran Trippier decides to return to the Premier League this summer.