Arsenal fans react to reported loan interest in Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles is reportedly wanted on loan by Atletico Madrid – and some Gunners fans on Twitter have responded to insist they don’t want him exiting the Emirates Stadium.

The Daily Mail reports that La Liga giants Atletico are prepared to “accelerate” their interest in the England international, as they want to take him to Spain on loan in the January transfer window.

It is explained that they have had the 23-year-old on their radar for a while, but it’s unclear on if Arsenal will be open to the idea of allowing his temporary departure.

Maitland-Niles has been a victim of his own versatility at times this season due to the fact he’s a utility man that can play at left-back, right-back or anywhere across the midfield.

He’s had chances in Gareth Southgate’s England squad as a wing-back and Atletico are viewing him as a right-back option for them.

The Arsenal academy graduate has played 17 games across all competitions, but he’s started more matches in the Europa League group stages than in the Premier League.

Despite the fact Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is yet to give him a nailed on position in the side, a selection of Arsenal supporters on social media believe it would be foolish to grant his loan exit and some suggest he’s the best option at right-back at the club over Hector Bellerin.

Here are some Gunners fans discussing Maitland-Niles:

https://twitter.com/Goat3d_Willock/status/1342094215111700482

https://twitter.com/ky_arsenal/status/1342092800221995014