Report: West Brom want Arsenal utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Fri 29 January 2021 8:45, UK

Arsenal utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a transfer target for West Bromwich Albion,

The 23-year-old isn’t short of suitors this month but Sam Allardyce is the latest manager to show an interest.

The report claims that a current top-four team is keen to sign him too, with Arsenal likely to favour that option.

It does suggest, however, that the unnamed club would need to do other business first.

West Brom are currently second bottom of the Premier League and face a real fight to avoid relegation.

Allardyce’s team are seven points adrift of 17th place and results are needed quickly.

(Photo; TIM KEETON; POOL; AFP; Getty Images)

Maitland-Niles has found regular football hard to come by at Arsenal and would welcome a loan move this month.

The 23-year-old has started just five Premier League games this season, with a further six coming as a substitute.

He wasn’t even in the squad for the recent win over Newcastle and his immediate future looks bleak.

Maitland-Niles played in last season’s FA Cup Final and also in the Community Shield victory in August.

Allardyce knows he needs reinforcements and the Arsenal man would provide some versatility to his ranks.

A full-back and a central midfielder are on his radar and Maitland-Niles is accustomed to playing in both.

The Arsenal youngster has hopes of catching Gareth Southgate’s eye before next summer’s European Championships.

Heading on loan to West Brom could enhance his chances of making the squad.

The Baggies are in desperate need of a lift from somewhere and Maitland-Niles could provide one.

He is determined, hardworking and boasts the ability to play in a number of positions.

Crucially he will have a point to prove, not only yo the England manager, but also to Arsenal.

(Photo; Catherine Ivill; Getty Images)

The man paid at the Emirates Stadium will see his long-term future in North London.

He will, however, be aware that he needs to be playing regular football if he is to convince Arteta of his ability.

West Brom’s league position doesn’t make the move an attractive one but he’ll play each and every week at The Hawthorns.

Should he head to the top-four club, he could find himself on the fringes once again which won’t do anyone any favours.

Heading to the West Midlands to be the star attraction and play every game could bode well for Maitland-Niles.

If he impresses, he could throw himself into Arteta’s thoughts for next season.

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