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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Cross

Ainsley Maitland-Niles at centre of transfer scramble with Arsenal preference clear

Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is at the centre of a last-minute scramble for his signature.

Maitland-Niles, 25, is available for transfer with Arsenal looking to offload him but time is ticking for a permanent switch and a loan deal could be a solution. Southampton have been long admirers and are in the hunt while Bournemouth were also interested but Scott Parker’s departure from the Cherries has cast doubt over that potential switch.

Nottingham Forest were keen at the start of the window while Newcastle are now watching developments. Arsenal would like to do a permanent deal but Maitland-Niles has one year left on his current deal but there is a 12 month option meaning that there is no panic at this stage and he could be loaned.

Maitland-Niles impressed enough during Mikel Arteta’s first season to help Arsenal win the FA Cup and get into the England squad. But now needs a fresh start after having few first team opportunities at the club where he grew up through the ranks. Even an injury to Mohamed Elneny - who is set to miss a few games with a hamstring problem - and Thomas Partey's absence will not affect Arsenal's willingness to let Maitland-Niles go out.

Arteta, meanwhile, has warned his players they must be ready to battle the rough stuff against Steven Gerrard's struggling Aston Villa side on Wednesday. He said: “I watch the Premier League teams and how physical they are, Every game here is a battle for everybody, and we don't expect anything different. Villa are a top team, they have a big squad, top quality players and a good manager, and we expect a difficult game again here on Wednesday.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Should the Gunners let Maitland-Niles leave? Let us know in the comments section

An injury to Mohamed Elneny will not affect Arsenal's stance on allowing Ainsley Maitland-Niles to leave the club (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“We'll watch this game [ Fulham ] and start to analyse them. Obviously, since we played each other they haven't changed that much. We’ll play towards the games and prepare as well as possible, but they’re a really physical team with a lot of presence, who are really good at using the box and it will be tough.

Arteta has been satisfied with Arsenal's start to the campaign with four wins from four which has catapulted them to the top of the Premier League table. He added: “The most pleasing thing is the performances with the results. The way we are playing, what we transmit as a team and then getting that into winning football matches - there's the reason why we are where we are. There is still a lot to improve. There is room individually and collectively in many areas that we have to do.”

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