Report: Arsenal star one of four on shortlist as Newcastle look to bring in a holding midfielder

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The Athletic claim that Newcastle United are keen on signing a holding midfielder this summer. The report states that two midfielders could be brought in, one in a Joe Willock mould – and a more defensive midfielder. One option could be Willock’s Arsenal teammate, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

There is confidence that Willock will return to Newcastle, even if it is only on loan – having scored eight goals in 14 during the second half of last term. But Steve Bruce also wants a defensive midfielder. Four have been shortlisted, including Maitland-Niles who is likely to leave Arsenal.

Mario Lemina is set to join Nice from Southampton. FC Midtjylland’s £12.8million-rated Jens Cajuste and Leicester’s Hamza Choudhury are also options. The other name on that list is England international Maitland-Niles, a player that offers versatility at right-back and left-back, too.

Arsenal ace Maitland-Niles would surely benefit from Newcastle loan

The report states that Maitland-Niles could ‘become an option’ and if he does, then Newcastle have got to move. It would suit all parties involved. Newcastle would be adding a player that can offer versatility on both sides of the defence, and in midfield. Maitland-Niles furthers his development.

A no-brainer, then. Potentially alongside his Arsenal teammate and friend Willock, Maitland-Niles would give himself another season to prove to Arsenal what he is capable of. Willock has shown Arsenal what he can do by playing for Newcastle – Maitland-Niles will be hoping for the same.

In other Arsenal transfer news, The Gunners are about to sign Fulham talent Mika Biereth.