Report: Leicester eye late move for Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles

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Leicester City are preparing a late transfer bid to snare Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles, reports The Mirror.

The 23-year-old is down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium and was an unused substitute against Manchester United yesterday.

Maitland-Niles is keen to try and force his way into the England squad ahead of the European Championships next summer.

His chances of doing that at Arsenal look remote having started just five Premier League games this season.

Leicester don’t view Maitland-Niles as a top transfer target but are considering a loan with a view to buying him in the summer.

The Foxes are in great form this season and many outsiders believe they have a genuine chance of winning the title.

As a result, Brendan Rodgers will want to ensure his squad is well-stocked ahead of the run-in.

The beauty of signing Maitland-Niles is that he can play in a number of positions.

He can play on the flank, as a full-back or in the centre of midfield and Rodgers would relish having such a player.

Maitland-Niles earns £35,000-a-week and swapping the Emirates for the King Power Stadium would surely excite the player.

TBR View: Maitland-Niles needs out of Arsenal

The England player’s race looks to be run with the Gunners, to be honest.

He hasn’t been able to pin down a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s team and now looks like a great time to leave.

Rodgers has a superb track record with younger players and Maitland-Niles could thrive under his watch.

Heading to a club where he will play is crucial in his thinking ahead of his next move.

Chances should be forthcoming at the King Power Stadium and he could prove a shrewd piece of business.