Does Maddison’s absence from Leicester training mean he’s leaving?

James Maddison and Ayoze Perez are currently absent from Leicester City training, which is a bit strange due to speculation surrounding their respective futures. Although the pair are not injured and did not feature in international competitions such as the Euros, they are afforded extra time off. Is this suspect with regards to their Foxes statuses?

Keeping Maddison and allowing Perez to depart permanently or on loan is the best outcome for Leicester here, before we discuss why things seem ‘up in the air’ presently. Basically, the playmaker is understood to be Arsenal’s “top target” this summer; and while that fact is not in dispute, the contemporary pull of the Gunners certainly is!

Meanwhile, Everton have been tipped to reunite their new manager, Rafa Benitez, with his compatriot and onetime player. Perez played under his fellow Spaniard at Newcastle United not too long ago. Benitez was thought to have raised the then Magpie’s game, along with having a good relationship with the attacker.

Neither prospective switch has any traction in the media as of yet. Reporters’ focus has once again moved to Foxes star Youri Tielemans, as he apparently sets his sights on Liverpool; yet Foxes of Leicester believes those rumours are false due to the apparent low quoted asking price of LCFC.

Is Leicester City pair’s absence a clue over their futures?

While it doesn’t seem normal – or even fair to some other teammates – that Maddison and Perez were not recalled for summer practice simultaneously with squad members in the same position of fitness etcetera, staggering returns to pre-season is an LCFC trait. We have seen this before with notable players, especially, being afforded more of a break.

However, one would expect the duo who were vilified for the COVID-19 rule breaking house party to want to come back as soon as possible to renew their statuses. Furthermore, when assets are the subject of bids or negotiations they are excused from obligations, too.

That’s not to say Maddison or Perez are about to leave, but the situation is particularly ambiguous. Maybe Benitez is in for his countryman. A transfer to Arsenal for Maddison seems a stretch this off-season for multiple reasons. He’s also had a troubled term through injures so is possibly being protected.