West Brom agree loan deal for Maitland-Niles

Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined West Bromwich Albion on loan until the end of the season.

It comes following a reported meeting between the player, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and Technical Director Edu, where according to Sky Sports’ Emma Paton, Maitland-Niles was seeking regular football in hope he could make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this Summer’s European Championships.

Maitland-Niles is the seventh player to have left the Emirates this January, following the departures of Sokratis to Olympiakos, youngster Matt Smith who has moved to Charlton, Sead Kolasinac and Shkodran Mustafi, who have joined Schalke, Joe Willock who has gone to Newcastle and of course Mesut Ozil, who joined Fenerbache.

Maitland-Niles loan a deal which could suit all three parties.

The 23 year-old had been subject of a proposed move to the Baggies’ fierce rivals Wolves back in the Summer, however the North London side turned down their £15m offer.

Maitland-Niles had played 20 Premier League games last season and played the full 90 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the final against Chelsea, as Arsenal lifted the world famous trophy a record 14th time.

He also put in a man of the match display in the Charity Shield against Liverpool. The Gunners won the season’s curtain raiser on penalties, in which Maitland-Niles scored in.

It looked like it could be a promising season for Maitland-Niles and it has been in some sense, considering he won his first call up to the England Squad back in September and has made five appearances for the Three Lions since then.

But in terms of for club, he has only played 11 of their 21 Premier League games and has been unable to nail down a place as a regular in the starting 11.

The England International was keen on joining Leicester City, but with the Foxes a direct rival for a place in Europe, Arteta allegedly blocked a move.

Ralph Hassenhutl’s Southampton were also keen and are another side around Arsenal in the table, so it could be argued then this deal is a somewhat coup by West Brom.

The Baggies are currently 19th in the league and are nine points from safety, following Brighton’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday.

But the signing of Maitland-Niles could be one that may inspire Sam Allardyce’s side in their battle to avoid an instant return to the Championship.

Allardyce has got a player in who has shown versatility. Maitland-Niles has played at Full-Back, Wing-Back and even as a Central Midfielder, which is where it’s believed he wants to play. The Arsenal man has impressed in all these positions, mixing defensive duties with the ability to get forward, showing composure on the ball.

This move could be one which allows Maitland-Niles to show Gareth Southgate that he is good enough to be in the England squad for the Euros, and could highlight his ability to play in different positions.

West Brom travel to Bramall Lane tomorrow night to face Sheffield United in what is a relegation six pointer. Meanwhile Maitland-Niles’ parent club Arsenal travel to Molinuex to face Wolves.

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