Nottingham Forest: Reds eye up Ainsley Maitland-Niles move

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer, according to a new transfer rumour which has emerged.
The Lowdown: Maitland-Niles out of favour
The 24-year-old has become increasingly surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium, having made just two Premier League starts last season.
Maitland-Niles was loaned out to Roma midway through the campaign and it could be the case that the Englishman again exits north London in the summer transfer window.
With Steve Cooper preparing his Forest team for life in the top flight, an interesting transfer rumour has now emerged.
The Latest: Forest keen on Maitland-Niles
According to The Daily Mail, Forest are interested in signing Maitland-Niles, although it isn’t specified whether it would be a permanent move or a loan deal.
The Arsenal man’s current deal expires at the end of this month, so he will soon be available on a free transfer unless the Gunners offer him a new contract.
The Verdict: Sign him up
While Maitland-Niles has drifted out of favour at Arsenal, he remains an excellent player who has won five caps for England and was hailed as a ‘huge talent’ by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta last season.
He has 87 appearances to his name in the Premier League, highlighting the experience that he could bring to Forest’s midfield, and he also possesses versatility, being able to play in either wing-back role.
Will Forest stay in the Premier League?
Yes

No

In addition, the 24-year-old would bring trophy-winning nous to the City Ground, having played in Roma’s Europa Conference League triumph earlier this year, one of six trophies he has won during his senior club careeer.
There is perhaps a feeling that Maitland-Niles just needs to find the right club in order to thrive as a footballer; and given the amount of playing time he would likely get under Cooper, it feels like a move which could suit all parties.
