Leeds should push the boat out for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, amid reports Arsenal will sell

Add as preferred source on Google

It’s safe to Leeds will be looking to build on their impressive return to the Premier League this summer, with Victor Orta ready to back Marcelo Bielsa again.

Last summer saw the likes of Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, and Rodrigo Moreno all arrive for decent sums. And while those three have had their struggles, long-term, they should prove good signings.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa will once again be keen to get it right in the market. And with another year’s Premier League money behind them, there’s no reason why Leeds can’t seize the moment and add an already exciting and hard-working squad.

Adding quality will be key, while Bielsa is also a fan of players who can play in different roles, as we see with the likes of Dallas, Klich, Alioski, and Raphinha.

And one player who they’ve been linked with this past week is Arsenal midfielder, Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Currently on loan with West Brom, the versatile England international is said to among a group of players the Gunners will sell this summer.

Maitland-Niles fits Leeds and Bielsa’s thinking

The Daily Mail claimed this week that Leeds had shown an interest in Maitland-Niles. Further to that, the Sun also claims a fee of around £20m might be enough to prize him away from The Emirates.

Surely, then, Leeds should be considering a move for a player of Maitland-Niles’ quality? £20m could be a huge bargain. The 23-year-old has impressed at West Brom since his January move. Like Joe Willock at Newcastle, he’s proven he’s good enough for Premier League football.

But it is his versatility which will really catch the eye for Leeds and Bielsa. There aren’t many players who can play left-back, right-back, central midfield, or attacking midfield with equal aplomb. In fact, it’s a big rarity these days.

That will offer huge appeal to the Whites. Bielsa’s free-flowing and all action style of play requires players who are comfortable with the ball in all areas of the pitch. Maitland-Niles, then, fits the bill for Leeds.

With Arsenal set for a fire-sale this summer, it makes all kind of sense that Leeds capitalise and grab themselves a bargain here.