Kieran Trippier has been given a worldwide ban for breaching betting rules, and his current side Atletico Madrid are hoping to bring in a replacement.
The England international is set to miss 10 weeks of action after being caught breaking the rules on betting, and is set to miss as many as 13 competitive matches.
Atletico are claimed to be on the look-out for someone to come in on loan, and the DailyMail reports that they had already shown an interest in the Ainsley Maitland-Niles‘ signature.
The defender was linked with a move away from the Emirates in the summer, only to be convinced to stay put, but he has since enjoyed very little playing time.
Maitland-Niles picked up plenty of minutes prior to the club’s switch in formation, which brought back the use of a regular back four, and he has since struggled for action.
It remains to be seen whether the club would be willing to allow him to leave in the coming window however, although the offer of regular action in Spain could well be an exciting prospect for AMN.
The 23 year-old has started just four Premier League fixtures this term, included just two since the transfer window closed in October, and the England hopeful could well push for the exit door in hope of making the squad for the European Championships next summer.
Arsenal currently have Hector Bellerin, Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares as options at right-back, or Sead Kolasinac, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney as rivals on the left, and it could well be time for the club to allow AMN to leave the club.
Should Arsenal have sold Maitland-Niles in October?
Patrick
The answer is no, but if Athletico are looking for a RB on loan perhaps they would be receptive to Bellerin on a permanent basis?
Grandad , They are not top of their league by being stupid. To buy Bellerin WOULD be stupid. It will not happen therefore though regretfully.
I would love to see Bellerin gone, ASAP, AND TO ANYONE WHO WILL TAKE HIM. BUT IT WILL NOT BE ATLETICO ,IMO.
I see AMN being here for many years and very soon becoming a regular in his proper position of midfield, where he has pace and mobility, both of which the woeful Xhaka has always lacked.
I think that any young arsenal player getting an opportunity to play elsewhere should seize that chance. Because I don’t see many of them getting opportunities while Arteta is manager of Arsenal. He’s too cautious in exposing young talents in the premier league and as a result, the lack of play time , which, is shattering their confidence and ambition, while, it stunches their growth and development. Experience is gained from playing games consistently. Although, Arteta has stuck with his experience favorites, the results are worsening with every passing game and Arsenal keep slumping. At 15th position in the premier league table today, Arteta is still doing the same thing and expect a different result. Change is inevitable. The sooner, the better .
Wouldn’t be surprised if he pushed for it at this point. Could be an amazing player if handled properly.
As Grandad said, would prefer if they took Bellerin.
Who makes up these rumours, oh yes the Mail!
Given a decent run of games, AMN will prove to be an excellent player for us and if sold, let alone loaned out, will be another bad decision of the magnitude of selling Martinez.
Mustafi can and has played at Right back
Over to you Simeone…make it happen!