As per a report, West Brom have agreed a deal with Arsenal and are now set to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan until the end of the season.
Arsenal are sending Ainsley Maitland-Niles out on loan before the window shuts tonight.
However, manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu didn’t want to strengthen a direct rival in doing so.
A host of Premier League clubs had shown interest in taking the versatile midfielder ahead of the 11 pm deadline.
Leicester, Southampton and West Brom were all keen on Maitland-Niles, who also plays as a full-back.
With Arsenal’s squad bloated, they had no problems letting him leave elsewhere in search of regular game-time.
Leicester were initially favorites to sign Maitland-Niles but a move to the King Power stadium as now been ruled out.
In a brief meeting between Edu, Arteta, and the player today, Sky Sports say Maitland-Niles was told he wouldn’t be allowed to sign for a Premier League rival.
With fourth-placed Leicester being eight points ahead of Arsenal in the table, it would harm the north Londoners’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League, let alone Europe in general.
A deal has now been agreed with the Baggies and Maitland-Niles is set to undergo his West Brom medical in the next few hours.
More info on his transfer will be known when both clubs make it official before the end of the day.
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