Harry Redknapp told the Transfer Deadline Day Show on Sky Sports that Arsenal have done the right thing in allowing the likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles to join West Brom because they need to ‘get out’ and play football.
Whilst there weren’t any incomings at Arsenal on deadline day, several players did depart from contracts being ripped up to youngsters leaving out on loan.
One particular manager might not believe his luck because Maitland-Niles opted to join West Brom instead of the likes of Southampton and Leicester, as their chances of surviving have now increased.
An expert in the transfer world, Redknapp shared that Arsenal will now see what the likes of Maitland-Niles are now made of, as they play for a team ‘struggling’ and fighting for their lives.
“They have done wonderful [West Brom],” said Redknapp. “Sam won’t go down without a fight, will he? They are going to have to drag him out of the Premier League if they are going to go and he’s given it a go.
“One or two teams above them will be looking at that and thinking ‘Oh, West Brom have had a go’ – And the kid there is a good player, Maitland-Niles. Good signing.
“Play him. Get them out and play. Let’s see what they are made of. Great from Arsenal. Get the kids and get them out playing football because that’s where they are going to progress.
“Not playing under-23 football or whatever at the training. Real football. Get in and amongst it. Go to West Brom, who are struggling. Fighting for their lives to stay up. Every game is vital. Get in and amongst it to see what they are made of.”
Joe Willock was another late deadline day transfer as the midfielder made the switch up to the North East to join Newcastle.
It was a pretty productive window for those in the North London boardroom because a number of high-profile players left to trim the squad, cut the wage bill and allow Mikel Arteta to work with a smaller team.
Whilst the likes of Mesut Ozil will never come back, this is a great opportunity for someone like Maitland-Niles to show his manager that he is capable of being a regular at the Emirates by producing the goods elsewhere.
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