Arsenal legend Wright hit back at Keane by saying the Gunners should be praised for pursuing a player like Maddison.

Wright responded: “Arsenal will be up there, the fact Arsenal are a team that are still trying to build and be where they want to be, players like Maddison is the kind of player Arsenal need to bring them back there.

“Like Liverpool, Manchester United before them have been through their mile-and-a-half of pipe like Andy Defraine in Shawshank Redemption where you see light at the end of the tunnel.

“Arsenal need players like that but that’s where you’ve got to put respect on Arsenal’s name for trying to get back where they were.”

Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.