Paul Merson has told Sky Sports (Transfer Blog Live, 2:45pm, February 1, 2021) that Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles should go to Leicester City on loan today.
According to Sky Sports, Leicester are among the clubs interested in signing Maitland-Niles on loan from Premier League rivals Arsenal on transfer deadline day.
Southampton and West Bromwich Albion are also reported to be interested in securing the services of the 23-year-old on loan for the rest of the season.
The report has claimed that the Foxes, the Saints, and the Baggies all have held talks with the Gunners over the England international, who can play as a right-back and as a midfielder.
Former Arsenal star Merson, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, believes that a move to Leicester on loan for the rest of the season would be good for Maitland-Niles.
Merson told Sky Sports (Transfer Blog Live, 2:45pm, February 1, 2021): “To work under Brendan Rodgers would certainly be a good move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles but the most important thing for the player is to go somewhere he can play in his preferred position, which is in midfield.
“With Southampton, it is probably a case whereby he wouldn’t play there because of Ward-Prowse and Romeu so I think it’s important he goes where he can play in his right position which is why this is taking time.
“He has to go to the right club as come the Euros, he’s got every chance. He’s on the fringe, but he can play in three or four positions and Gareth Southgate likes him. Everyone likes someone who’s versatile. To go to Leicester and to work under Rodgers would be a massive plus.”
Leaving Arsenal on loan
Maitland-Niles is a fringe player at Arsenal, and that is unlikely to change in the coming weeks and months.
Working under Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers and playing regular first-team football for a club aiming to win the Premier League title would help the 23-year-old’s chances of playing for England at the European Championship in the summer of 2021.
According to WhoScored, Maitland-Niles has made five starts and six substitute appearances in the Premier League and has played five times in the Europa League for Arsenal so far this season.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports (Transfer Live blog, 12:23pm, February 1, 2021) have reported that Reiss Nelson looks set to stay at Arsenal, as there have been no suitable offers for him.
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