According to The Athletic, West Bromwich Albion are pushing hard to sign Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan until the end of the season.
Baggies want Maitland-Niles
Sam Allardyce has been able to bring in Robert Snodgrass (wba.co.uk) and Andy Lonergan so far this January transfer window, but he is clearly looking to attract more bodies between now and the deadline.
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Maitland-Niles has played just 11 times in the Premier League so far this campaign (Transfermarkt), and his versatility is said to be appealing to Allardyce. However, Mikel Arteta is worried about sending the £16.2m-valued 23-year-old (Transfermarkt) to a side in a relegation battle, while he also has concerns over the Baggies’ style of play.
Huge for West Brom
This could be a huge signing for West Brom, even if only on a temporary basis. Previously compared to Gareth Bale by Tony Cascarino in 2019, he has made 121 appearances for Arsenal, while he has also earned three caps for England under Gareth Southgate.
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Maitland-Niles can play in both central midfield and at right-back – this represents versatility that could be put to very good use by Allardyce between now and the end of the campaign. With the initial Brexit teething problems and the pandemic still a worldwide issue, finding the right players is proving incredibly difficult for clubs across the country. Maitland-Niles, though, could be exactly what the Midlands outfit are looking for.
In other news, West Brom fans react to news on this forward.
