According to the Mirror, Nottingham Forest are keen to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal, after Newcastle expressed interest in January.
What’s the story?
Well, Steve Cooper guided Nottingham Forest to the Premier League with a play-off final win over Huddersfield, and he now wants to bolster his squad by signing the England international.
Maitland-Niles has just returned from a loan spell under José Mourinho at Roma, where he lifted the UEFA Conference League, although Arsenal are believed to be willing to sell for a sum of £8m.
Eddie Howe made a move for the 24-year-old in January, although a transfer to Tyneside never materialised.
The Mirror believe Nottingham Forest have already made contact with Arsenal over a deal for Maitland-Niles, who has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
It is said that the Hale End Academy graduate is hoping to receive regular playing time at his next club, and Cooper believes he would be a perfect addition to his squad at the City Ground.
Interestingly, the 42-year-old knows Maitland-Niles well from his time in charge of various England youth ranks.
The Mirror add that Everton, Southampton and Leicester have all been keen to sign the Englishman in the past, so Nottingham Forest may face competition from one of them, if not all of those sides.
Newcastle should rival Nottingham Forest
In our view, Newcastle should go back in for Maitland-Niles.
Of course, we are not suggesting he would become an immediate starter for the Magpies, but for just £8m, the Arsenal No.15 would represent a shrewd purchase.
At the age of 24, Maitland-Niles would carry good sell-on value for Newcastle to invest in, especially as he’s a homegrown talent.
He is also capable of playing at right-back as well as in midfield, which gives Howe a useful utility option if he needs to rotate his squad.
Keep an eye on this situation, as we believe Maitland-Niles will definitely leave Arsenal this summer.
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