Newcastle United are considering raiding Arsenal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta is frustrating the midfielder through his lack of minutes.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report the Magpies are keeping tabs on how the 24-year-old’s situation develops in north London before the sales begin in three-weeks’ time.
Arteta convinced Maitland-Niles to remain at the Emirates Stadium at the end of the last market. The Spaniard assured him that he would offer the five-cap England international chances to establish a key presence after Maitland-Niles made his desires to leave clear.
But Arteta has only started Maitland-Niles in two of Arsenal’s 15 Premier League fixtures so far this season. He also left the £52k-a-week anchor out of his matchday squad on Monday.
Everton, who beat the Gunners earlier this week, had sought to sign the Hale End product this summer. But Arsenal refused to let Maitland-Niles leave before his talks with Arteta.
Newcastle tracking Maitland-Niles’ Arsenal situation
Newcastle are now paying close attention to Maitland-Niles’ situation at Arsenal ahead of their first transfer window under Saudi-led owners. The versatile London-born midfielder should also be available for far less than the £30m the Gunners sought just 18-months ago.
Maitland-Niles only has 18-months left on his contract, and may seek to leave Arsenal next month. Arteta’s lack of chances is proving irritating for a player eager to feature regularly. He has only enjoyed 263-minutes over eight Premier League appearances so far this term.
Only in his last outing at Liverpool on November 20 has Maitland-Niles played over half-an-hour as a substitute, as well. He has not featured at all in Arsenal’s last three league games.
Arteta failing to fulfil promises made to Maitland-Niles
Maitland-Niles’ lack of chances in Arsenal’s top-flight games may swing the door open for a transfer to Newcastle next month. Arteta has so far failed to fulfil his promise of giving the midfielder – who can play centrally, on the wing or as a full-back – the chances to impress.
Arteta also told Maitland-Niles at the end of the summer window that he wanted him to be a versatile option. The Spaniard feels his versatility is what makes Maitland-Niles special.
Arteta said, via football.london: “He has embraced the opportunity. He knows he has a unique quality in any squad, which is his versatility to play in many different positions.
“He needs to become the best at doing that, because it’s something very rare to find.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
