Everton and AS Roma are prepared to go head-to-head in the chase of Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to the Premier League.
According to The Athletic, Ainsley Maitland-Niles might be on his way out of the Emirates in January, pending a medical. The midfielder has no future at Arsenal, with two teams, Everton and AS Roma, preparing to compete for his services on a possible loan transfer next month, according to reports.
Everton was on the verge of signing Maitland-Niles during the summer transfer window, but Arsenal intervened and prevented the deal. However, it looks as if the Englishman is set to quit North London in January after failing to make an impact under Mikel Arteta for the second time in three seasons. As a result of injuries, the Englishman has played just 283 minutes of Premier League action in the last three seasons.
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Ainsley Maitland-Niles has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal
Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Granit Xhaka, and Mohamed Elneny are all ahead of him in the Arsenal team’s pecking order, which seems to be a result of his academy background. His prospects of breaking into the Arsenal first-team might shrink even more, with the club preparing to recruit a new midfielder during the winter transfer window. In addition to Guido Rodriguez, Arteta is keeping a close watch on Arthur Melo, who has emerged as a potential replacement.
Coincidentally, Juventus has lately inquired about the possibility of swapping Lucas Digne with Everton to strengthen their squad. They have given the Toffees a chance to recruit Arthur if they agree to the Frenchman’s transfer oppositely, according to reports.
Everton, on the other hand, is on high alert because of Maitland-Niles’ perilous situation in the Emirates. A terrible start to the season has left the Merseyside giants anxious to add more alternatives in the centre of the park. In that sense, considering his previous experience playing in the English Premier League, the Englishman may be a sensible addition to the squad.
The 24-year-old has made 132 competitive games for Arsenal and has earned five caps for the England national team during his time in the Premier League. The midfielder’s hardworking temperament and persistence, in addition to his previous expertise, might make him a crucial part of Rafa Benitez’s meticulous tactical theory.
Everton will face competition from AS Roma to secure his services
Nevertheless, according to the source, Everton would face heavy competition from AS Roma in their pursuit of Maitland-Niles. Following the success stories of Chris Smalling and, most recently, Tammy Abraham, the Giallorossi have given a decent account of themselves in front of English players.
A transfer to Rome seems to be the preferred option for both Maitland-Niles and English international Harry Kane, who looks to be on a roll right now. It might be a major setback for Everton, who has had little success in the transfer market so far this season, even though the Toffees are closing in on their first January signing in the shape of Vitaliy Mykolenko.
