Everton are interested in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal before the summer transfer window closes tomorrow, according to The Daily Mail and The Athletic.
What’s the story?
The Daily Mail have reported that Everton want to sign Maitland-Niles on a loan deal from Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The Toffees have actually made an approach, and the 23-year-old, who can play as a midfielder or as a full-back, is keen on leaving and playing regularly in midfield.
Southampton are also interested in the England international.
The Athletic have reported that Everton are in talks with Arsenal over a season-long loan deal with an option to buy.
The Gunners are reporting considering it.
Leaving Arsenal for Everton
Maitland-Niles – described as “absolutely brilliant” by former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on Sky Sports Premier League (1:48pm, February 14, 2021) is going to find it hard to play week in and week out for Arsenal this season.
After all, the 23-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion – an indication that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta really does not have him in his plans.
Maitland-Niles is a very good and combative midfielder who would give Everton manager Rafael Benitez another option.
Yes, the 23-year-old prefers to play in midfield, but if Benitez wants him at Everton, then he should at least consider a loan transfer.
As for Everton, they would get a midfielder who might be as fast as Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to his Gunners teammate Eddie Nketiah on Sky Sports Football YouTube channel in June 2021.
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