Newcastle United want Ainsley Maitland-Niles and could push to sign the Arsenal man before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
The Magpies have secured a major signing by snapping up Real Soceidad striker Alexander Isak in a club-record deal.
That will have taken up most of Newcastle’s budget due to Financial Fair Play rules.
Newcastle may have huge investment from PIF but they can’t just go and spend wildly in the transfer market.
That means loans may be the only route to new additions for Eddie Howe, and one new name is in the mix.
Newcastle United want Ainsley Maitland-Niles
TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook reports that Newcastle are showing an interest in signing Arsenal utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Maitland-Niles has no role to play under Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are keen to get him moved on before the transfer deadline.
TalkSPORT noted last week that Maitland-Niles had been offered out to Bournemouth, Southampton and West Ham United.
Yet now it’s Newcastle showing a real interest in Maitland-Niles ahead of the window closing on Thursday.
Newcastle do need additional midfield cover with Bruno Guimaraes out injured, and Maitland-Niles can occupy holding or box-to-box roles.
Yet an additional note is that Maitland-Niles can also play as a right back, meaning he can offer cover and competition for Kieran Trippier.
Emil Krafth has just suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, so Newcastle do need additional options at right back.
Maitland-Niles being able to play in both areas of the pitch makes him very appealing and Newcastle could soon firm up their interest.
Hailed as a ‘huge talent’ by Mikel Arteta, Maitland-Niles really needs a fresh start away from Arsenal.
Loans to West Bromwich Albion and Roma haven’t taken Maitland-Niles any closer to first-team action and it’s ultimately time to go.
A loan with option to buy makes sense for Newcastle, Arsenal and Maitland-Niles, with the Gunners holding an option to extend his contract until 2024.
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