Report: Brighton want versatile Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Add as preferred source on Google

The Evening Standard have claimed that Premier League side Brighton are interested in raiding Arsenal to sign versatile ace Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer – after the Seagulls secured Premier League safety.

Brighton’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle confirmed their status as a Premier League side on Tuesday night, and that is likely to see planning for the 2020-21 campaign begin now. Graham Potter is likely to want some signings.

Maitland-Niles, 22, has been in and out of the Arsenal side this season – offering cover at right-back, central midfield and even as a defensive winger. He starred on the left side of midfield as Arsenal beat Man City in the FA Cup.

The England Under-21 international has three years remaining on his £35,000-a-week contract (Spotrac), and Brighton are keen to take him to the south coast this summer – with his future at Arsenal likely to be in the air.

TBR’s view – Maitland-Niles should go for good of his career

Maitland-Niles is a good player, but after 98 Arsenal appearances – is he Gunners quality? Perhaps right now he is, but in terms of Mikel Arteta trying to take his team back into the top four, he needs to move on.

A move to a team like Brighton would be a good deal for Maitland-Niles. A ball-playing side, that have an exciting manager at the helm and are looking to push into the top half of the table, Maitland-Niles would benefit.