Arsenal are keen for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to develop at full-back if he joins Leicester City, Southampton or Newcastle United on loan, according to reports.
The 23-year-old has struggled to secure a regular role under Mikel Arteta this season and is keen to leave the Gunners before the 11pm transfer deadline in order to secure more playing time.
It’s understood that one of the primary reasons for Maitland-Niles’s desire to leave is also due to concerns over missing out on a place in England’s squad for the European Championship this summer.
Arsenal have held talks with Leicester, Southampton and Newcastle over a loan deal for Maitland-Niles.
And according to The Athletic, if Maitland-Niles leaves on loan, Arsenal’s preference is to see him played at full-back. However, the player is keen to impress in a midfield role.
The report also claims that Leicester is Maitland-Niles’ preferred destination out of the three Premier League clubs who have registered their interest.
Arsenal and Leicester are yet to agree the terms of the loan deal, with the Gunners looking for the Foxes to have a mandatory purchase option this summer instead of an option to buy.
It’s understood that Arsenal’s preference is for Maitland-Niles to join Southampton, and the Saints are willing to accept the Gunners’ terms of the deal.
When asked if Maitland-Niles will be leaving Arsenal, Arteta said: ‘I don’t know, I cannot speak about any individual players.
‘What we want to do, the conversations we’ve had, the various reasons. Let’s see if we can get something done tonight.’
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