Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a subject of interest from Leicester City as the Arsenal utility man seeks a move for regular playing time this summer.
According to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, Leicester City are interested in Ainsley Maitland-Niles as the versatile midfielder seeks a move away from Arsenal, searching for regular playing time. The Foxes are showing an interest along with other Premier League sides, which could end up in a battle for the Gunners’ utility man.
While Arsenal have been busy recruiting new players, everyone seems to have forgotten Ainsley Maitnald-Niles. Once regarded as a promising talent and the future of Arsenal’s midfield, the academy product finds himself looking for a new club that could afford him regular playing time. Lucky for him, there’s no shortage of interest.
The versatile star has been around for quite some time and was indeed getting himself ample playing time in the three seasons before last. In the 2020/21 season, Maitland-Niles failed to impact Mikel Arteta’s side and eventually joined West Brom on loan in January.
Leicester City are one of the strong contenders to sign him up. Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Maitland-Niles and could entertain a reasonable offer from the Foxes or other interested parties.
The Foxes don’t need a midfielder after signing Boubakary Soumare from Lille in the close season. Youri Tielemans is another star who has become untouchable in the centre, and Brendan Rodgers prefers a double pivot. The Foxes do lack somewhat in quality at full-back, and the Arsenal star could improve that zone.
Maitland-Niles desires to play as a midfielder, but his ability to play at full-back has pressed managers to utilise him there. However, he did showcase his talent in the middle at West Brom. But the Englishman is adept at playing on both sides of the pitch, and this particular feature is attracting suitors.
Other clubs such as Burnley and Southampton are also interested, but Leicester’s stability as one of the top English sides could attract the player. Alternatively, Arsenal could use Maitland-Niles as part of a deal to bring James Maddison. Leicester are supposedly asking around £60 million for the playmaker, and Arsenal could include Maitland-Niles to reduce the valuation.
It remains to be seen how serious Leicester are in this pursuit. Whether they will be open to accepting Maitland-Niles as part of a deal for Maddison remains a big question. Overall, the Arsenal star could have a good career at the King Power Stadium and get regular playing time under Rodgers.
