Everton are keen on an Ainsley Maitland-Niles loan from Arsenal, according to Sky Sports.
The Toffees have been on the lookout for a right-sided defender over the summer, and are targeting the 23-year-old to bring an end to that search.
Everton Keen on Ainsley Maitland-Niles Loan
Rafael Benitez Hoping to Bolster Defensive Coverage
The report from Sky Sports claims Arsenal are open to letting Maitland-Niles exit the club this summer, which suggests he is not in Mikel Arteta’s immediate plans for this campaign.
He has seen his opportunities restricted in recent seasons in North London, but could now gain the opportunity to earn more game time and Premier League experience.
This wouldn’t be the first time that Everton and Arsenal have engaged in transfer negotiations with each other, after the Gunners sent Alex Iwobi and Theo Walcott to Merseyside in recent years.
Everton see Maitland-Niles as an ideal profile to fit Rafa Benitez’s squad due to his ability to play as a wing-back on either side or in the heart of midfield.
It is likely, though, that he will be deployed as a right full-back on Merseyside, with Seamus Coleman standing as Benitez’s only option there currently.
Maitland-Niles spent the second half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, playing 15 games for the Baggies, but couldn’t help them avoid relegation. He was entrusted predominantly in central midfield during his short spell in the Midlands.
Maitland-Niles Has Had Other Admirers
Although Everton look set to land the Arsenal full-back, they have had to stave off interest from around the Premier League.
It has been reported that a host of clubs, including Leicester City, Southampton, and Burnley, have all taken a liking to Maitland-Niles at some point over the course of the summer.
Should Everton proceed to go ahead with signing the England international, he would become their fifth signing of the transfer window after Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend, Asmir Begovic, and Andy Lonergan.
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