Arsenal fan favourite 'could be sacrificed' to sign James Maddison from Leicester

One current Arsenal star could be 'sacrificed' in order for the Gunners to sign James Maddison this summer, according to reports.

Maddison has emerged as a potential transfer target for several Premier League clubs, with Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool all linked to the Leicester playmaker.

Mikel Arteta is in the market for midfield recruits this summer, as the Spaniard seeks to add depth to his squad in preparation for a busy Champions League schedule.

Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka is expected to leave the Emirates at the end of the campaign after allegedly 'telling Arteta he wants to leave' the club.

Declan Rice is thought to be Arsenal's priority target, after the England international expressed is desire to leave West Ham at the end of the season in pursuit of Champions League football.

But fellow England teammate Maddison is also thought to be on the Gunners' list, with the 26-year-old tipped to leave the King Power Stadium at the end of the season, regardless of whether the Foxes are able to survive relegation.

However, if Arsenal were to land Maddison's signature, fan favourite Emile Smith Rowe could be shown the back door.

Smith Rowe could be 'sacrificed'

Despite Arsenal's best Premier League finish since 2004, it has been a season to forget for Smith Rowe, who has spent most of his time watching from the sidelines.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season under Arteta last campaign, scoring ten goals in the Premier League.

However, he has had to undergo surgery for a groin injury, which has severely hampered the Englishman's progress.

On his return to fitness, the Gunners' no. 10 has lost his place in the team, and is seemingly stuck behind Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson in the pecking order.

In turn, he has been rumoured with a move away, with The Mirror claiming he could be 'sacrificed' as Arsenal 'look to strengthen their options with Leicester’s James Maddison another on their radar'.

Only time will tell whether Smith Rowe will be able to get his Arsenal career back on track.

But with such rich competition for places in the side, the Hale End graduate may choose to seek out first-team opportunities elsewhere, with a number of clubs expected to be interested.

Topics: Arsenal, Emile Smith-Rowe, Transfers, Football, James Maddison, Leicester City, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno