In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, journalist Ben Jacobs stated that Chelea have set their sights on Leicester City star James Maddison. Jacobs said,
“Sources told me that Maddison would rather wait until the end of the season and Leicester are not ruling out a new deal either.
“But from Maddison’s point of view, the reason why he would rather wait is because he wants to know what he’s getting and right now if London’s the preference, and Tottenham and or, more loosely, Chelsea are looking at him, neither of those two clubs can categorically guarantee that they’re heading towards Champions League football for sure next season and Newcastle are in a better form position, but again, who knows whether they’re going to get over the line and get Champions League football.
“So, if James Maddison decides in January, then he is gambling to some extent on who he’s joining in qualifying for the Champions League.”
Maddison’s Impressive Run Of Form At The King Power Stadium
Maddison is having another impressive campaign at Leicester as he has continued to excel as a chief playmaker in Brendan Rodgers’ first XI. The Coventry-born talent has registered seven goals and four assists in 14 matches this season across all competitions.
The 26-year-old has been a reliable performer for the Foxes in the final third based on his average of 1.9 tackles, 0.7 key passes, 3.0 shots, 2.4 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after making 84.2% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
Should Chelsea Bring Maddison On Board?
Maddison can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range. The English sensation has got the vision to make some inviting chances for his teammates in the final third and can make some intelligent runs with the ball toward the opponent’s penalty box. He can get stuck in with a few solid tackles as well.
At 26, Maddison is about to enter his prime and would make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge if Chelsea can devise a way to sign him next year.
The English playmaker will add more goals and creativity to Graham Potter‘s attack and could help the Blues compete for a top-four place in the Premier League over the next few seasons. Thus, Potter should focus on bringing Maddison on board this January or next summer.
