Report: West Brom set to win race for Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles

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The Athletic have claimed that West Bromwich Albion are set to win the race for Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles after talks resumed between the Gunners and the Baggies – beating the likes of Southampton, Leicester and Newcastle.

Maitland-Niles, 23, is keen to leave Arsenal on loan this month after failing to be used in his favoured position of central midfielder under Mikel Arteta. The Spanish manager has instead used the England international at right-back, or left-back.

Southampton, Leicester, Newcastle and West Brom have all been linked with a move for Maitland-Niles. But a move to Leicester has been ruled out as the Gunners see Leicester as a direct rival. Maitland-Niles did not want to join Southampton.

Newcastle look more likely to go for Joe Willock, so that has left Sam Allardyce’s West Brom the only Premier League side left in the race to sign Maitland-Niles. Talks are progressing and David Ornstein claims a deal is expected to go through.

TBR’s view – Will West Brom use Maitland-Niles in midfield?

The Baggies are also bringing in Okay Yokuslu from Celta Vigo, while the Baggies also have Romaine Sawyers and Jake Livermore among others as options in the middle of the park. So, will Maitland-Niles find his loan beneficial?

One of the reasons he has turned down Southampton is because they were looking to use him on the flanks – rather than in midfield. The Baggies now look set to secure the midfielder but it might be that he does not play where he wants to.

Maitland-Niles is currently earning £35,000 a week (Spotrac).