Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Everton links baffle journalist amid free transfer pursuit after Arsenal exit
It is “unlikely” that Everton will sign Ainsley Maitland-NIles this summer because there isn’t a place for him in the squad, according to Paul Brown.
Arsenal confirmed his departure from the Emirates on 16 June for the expiry of his contract following loan moves that encompassed all or part of each of the past three seasons, to West Brom, Roma and Southampton respectively.
Football Transfers then reported two days later that the 25-year-old was a Toffees target amid pursuits of various Leeds United players, after he had previously been linked to the club before he went on loan to Serie A in 2022, but Brown doesn’t see it happening this summer.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT the former Daily Star journalist said: “I don’t really see a place for him in the Everton midfield, so I struggle to see why this one is viable or why Everton would push it too hard really.
“I think it’s unlikely that Maitland-Miles ends up at Goodison Park.”
Back-up target?
Sean Dyche needs full-backs and, if Demarai Gray leaves, at least one attacking wide man so Maitland-Niles could feasibly contribute as either.
He is unlikely to get much of a look in centrally as the midfield is one of the few areas of the Everton squad that is well-stocked.
But with the former Gunner neither renowned as an offensive threat or a formidable defender, but perhaps somewhere in between on the flank as a wing-back who can cover both options reasonably well, he is probably not a primary option.
Clearly, with the pursuit of Elland Road men such as Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison, the Toffees are eyeing more offensive names.
But with finances, as ever, a consideration it might prove difficult to land those who have significant fees attached to them.
So as a free transfer Maitland-Niles may prove an attractive squad option, especially since the likes of Tom Davies was offered a new contract and turned it down, but with interest not confined to Goodison Park the ex-Arsenal man may be snapped up elsewhere.
In other Everton news, the manager has been tipped to be putting pressure on those upstairs at the club to push for another free agent target at the striker position.