Arsenal defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles is wanted by a top four Premier League side, the Athletic report.
Maitland-Niles could well leave the Emirates Stadium before the end of the month, with the 23-year-old wanting more game time.
And according to the latest update the versatile England international, who Martin Keown hailed as ‘fantastic’ (Metro), is wanted by an unnamed current top four side.
Who that team is isn’t yet clear, but Arsenal would apparently prefer him to join them over West Bromwich Albion.
Sam Allardyce’s side are also keen on Maitland-Niles, but Arsenal would prefer him to move up the table rather than down.
Their reasoning behind that thinking isn’t actually clear, as it seems that Arsenal would be strengthening a direct rival.
But, perhaps, Mikel Arteta’s men feel that Maitland-Niles would be better in a Champions League chase than a relegation battle.
Arsenal would only be looking to loan out Maitland-Niles until the end of the season, so his development may be better served by playing at the top end of the table, rather than the bottom.
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