Former Gunner Perry Groves has hit back at ‘silly man’ Roy Keane after the Irishman termed James Maddison potentially joining Arsenal as a ‘backwards step.
The Leicester City star has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates for a while now. He is reportedly our number one target, but it will be a very difficult deal to complete, mainly due to the Foxes’ £60 million demand. (Football London)
However, Maddison is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates this summer. That is good news for Arsenal, but Keane, who usually has a problem with everything, has a problem with this as well.
Keane told ITV before the Community Shield on Saturday: “Arsenal are a huge club, but at this moment in time I don’t think it’s a step up for him to leave Leicester, where they are, to go to Arsenal.”
Asked if it would be a sideways step, he said: “Probably backwards, at this moment in time. Arsenal are a huge club, but where Leicester are at the moment, trying to challenge for Champions League. They’re winning, they won a trophy last year, Arsenal are short.”
Arsenal hero Perry Groves responds to ‘silly’ Roy Keane comments
He told TalkSport: “Roy Keane is being very silly, a very silly man. Arsenal are a miles bigger club. You’re under pressure more. The expectations [are a lot higher].
“Leicester are better on the pitch, they’re a better team. They are further ahead, but if James Maddison, you go to the bigger clubs, you’re judged on a different level.
“If he bought into a project where he could be the 10, going there and being part of a resurgence of a massive club like Arsenal, he has got more chances of getting into the England team.”
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Groves is absolutely spot on. Irrespective of where Arsenal finished last season, we are still a massive club and most players in the world would fancy a move to the Emirates. Maddison is no different and it won’t be a surprise to see him make the switch before the end of this month.
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