Sky Sports: Everton frontrunners to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Everton are the favourites to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan with Arsenal open to letting him leave before the transfer deadline, according to Sky Sports.
Speaking on the ‘Good Morning Transfers’ show [09:30, 30/08/21], reporter Kyle Walker said: “They’re [Everton] wanting a right-back, well Ainsley Maitland-Niles, they want to sign him on loan from Arsenal.
“They do need a right-back and Arsenal are open to letting him go out in this window, there’s not much time to get that deal done as we know but the 24-year-old has also had interest from other clubs.
“However, it is being said that Everton is the strongest.
“Under Rafa Benitez, this could be the move that he needs. It could work in his favour. He is one of those Arsenal youngsters that is brilliant, but doesn’t seem to be working in this current side in north London, so a move to Merseyside may work.”
Open to right-back berth?
Maitland-Niles came on for Arsenal as a substitute at the weekend in their 5-0 hammering at the hands of Manchester City, but he looks set to remain as a fringe player if he sticks around at the Emirates Stadium.
Therefore, an exit looks likely for the five-cap England international, but the interesting element here is just where he will play if he moves to the Blues.
The suggestion by Walker, along with other media outlets, is that Everton want him to provide competition for Seamus Coleman at right-back.
Maitland-Niles has played there for club and country, but he moved to West Brom on loan earlier this year as he wanted to play in his preferred midfield position.
Is he potentially willing to give that up?
It may well have reached the point where he just wants regular first-team football and is willing to roll up his sleeves in order to get that.
In other Everton news, Blues bid for this international attacker is in danger of a late collapse after major complications in talks.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.