West Bromwich Albion are now leading the race to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal on loan until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old is in demand this transfer deadline day with some Premier League clubs including Leicester City and Southampton also chasing his signature.
West Bromwich Albion Handed Deadline Day Boost with Ainsley Maitland-Niles Deal
Ainsley Maitland-Niles in Potential Switch to West Bromwich Albion
Arsenal, however, were not willing to negotiate with Leicester as they see the Midlands side as a direct rival and would prefer he joins Southampton.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the England international is now likely to join West Brom after wanting to play in midfield; which is his preferred position. The young versatile midfielder did not want to move to Southampton as they saw him as cover at full-back, which has allowed the door to become open for the Baggies to leapfrog clubs for the signature of Maitland-Niles.
The Saints are chasing cover for the full-back position after missing out on Manchester United’s Brandon Williams who they had chased all summer.
Maitland-Niles Prefers to Move to Hawthorns in Search of Game Time
Ahead of the European Championships, the 23-year-old is set to opt for the Hawthorns as he believes he will gain valuable game time ahead of the summer competition. He has struggled for game time this season under Mikel Arteta, starting in only five Premier League games. Maitland-Niles is hoping to cement his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad after making his debut last September against Denmark.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles came close to joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer for that reason but for Arsenal to reject a £15 million bid.
Sam Allardyce is hoping to conclude a number of deals to boost his side’s chances of escaping the drop as they look to sign Okay Yokuslu from Celta Vigo on loan until the end of the season. Ahmed Musa is currently training with the club with an option to join on a short-term contract.
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