Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles is reportedly on the radars of a number of English and European clubs including Leeds United ahead of the summer window.
According to a report from the Mirror, Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles seems to be a man in demand heading into the summer transfer window, with a number of clubs, including Leeds United, lining up to sign him.
A product of the Arsenal youth academy, Maitland-Niles made his first-team debut in 2014, at the age of just 17. After a loan stint away at Ipswich town, the versatile 23-year-old was integrated into the senior squad as he went on to establish himself as a handy utility player due to his versatile nature.
Indeed, despite being a central midfielder primarily, Maitland-Niles has played as a full-back more often than not fir the Gunners and has accumulated 121 appearances, in which he has three goals and seven assists. However, a lack of opportunities under Mikel Arteta in the first half of the ongoing campaign saw him secure a loan move to West Bromwich Albion in January.
Since moving to the Hawthorns, Maitland-Niles has made quite the impression, playing in his preferred midfield role. While he is yet to score or assist a goal for the relegation-battling Baggies, the 23-year-old has shown that he can thrive in the middle of the park at this level. And, heading into the summer transfer window, the versatile midfielder has become a man in demand.
There had already been interest in Maitland-Niles from top four contenders Leicester City. Now, fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United have also registered an interest in the England international and are keeping a close eye on any developments surrounding his situation ahead of the upcoming transfer period.
Leeds have done well after returning to the Premier League this term and look set for a top half finish. But there are several issues in the squad, majorly the lack of depth in several positions that will need to be addressed before the next season. Maitland-Niles, to that end, can be a handy addition as he can play in midfield, out wide or even as a full-back.
However, Marcelo Bielsa’s men are set to face competition from French club AS Monaco, while Wolves, who tried to sign him permanently last summer, could revisit their interest as per the report.
Maitland-Niles is contracted with Arsenal till the summer of 2023. However, with finances likely to be tight heading into the summer window, the Gunners may decide to cash in on the England international to pursue their targets. So, it remains to be seen if the 23-year-old does end up signing for Leeds or some other clubs makes a swoop for him.
