Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined West Brom on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old had been subject of interest from a number of clubs ahead of transfer deadline day with Southampton and Leicester City also vying for his signature.
But the Baggies have won the race, loaning Maitland-Niles until the end of the campaign in which Sam Allardyce will hope is a successful one in steering the club to safety.
This move is beneficial for both parties.
Firstly, Maitland-Niles should get regular first-team football during the second half of the season that will boost his chances of being selected for England's Euro squad this summer.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, the 23-year-old's Baggies debut could come this Sunday against none other than Tottenham Hotspur - meaning he will soon be back in north London.
And following results over the weekend, Maitland-Niles' parent club would greatly appreciate a favour from him.
Spurs' 1-0 loss against Brighton & Hove Albion has left them just two points above Arsenal in the Premier League table with a London derby with Chelsea to come before West Brom's visit.
The Gunners can leapfrog their bitter rivals on Tuesday evening with a win over an out-of-form Wolves side - although it may only be temporary as Tottenham would need to avoid defeat against Chelsea to reclaim bragging rights.
However, if Arteta's side beat Wolves and then Aston Villa at the weekend, a win for Maitland-Niles on his West Brom debut will see them start next week as north London's leading team.
Not only will that dream scenario firmly put the Gunners in with a shout of challenging for Champions League qualification, but would also raise the prospect of finishing above Spurs for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Speaking of Arteta, he has outlined his future plans for Maitland-Niles.
"Ainsley is a very talented player and we are proud of his hard work and development with us.," Arteta told Arsenal.com. "This decision to go on loan to West Bromwich Albion for the rest of this season is to support Ainsley and his growth further.
"He will be working at a very good club in the Premier League and we all wish him the best of luck during his time at the Hawthorns."
