Rafa Benitez aims to reinforce the Everton squad before the end of transfer window
Everton are keen to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan from Arsenal. Everton have activated his pursuit in the last couple of days as the transfer window deadline draws close. The 24 year old is regarded as a versatile option capable of carrying out several roles in numerous systems.
Rafa Benitez has done a magnificent job so far when it comes to addressing the deficiencies in the squad. Adding pace and directness through Demarai Gray while massively improving the service from the flanks via Andros Townsend, Benitez has won the support of Goodison faithful despite the controversial past.
Even the staunchest supporters who rejected the Spaniard’s appointment are now getting behind him as the team is mirroring that dedication and professionalism on the field, the same dedication and competence that Benitez has shown towards his job.
The often provocative connections to Liverpool seem to be forgotten as cheers of Benitez’s name are often heard at every game. But work is far from done. The squad is still in dire need of improvements in some areas. Most notably, right back.
Everton captain Seamus Coleman is on the wrong side of thirty and the Toffees will need to find a successor to his role that he has shouldered for over a decade. Confidence doesn’t seem to be running high in Jonjoe Kenny as Everton are even ready to part ways with the Englishman whose deal runs out next summer.
Everton want Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan
Maitland-Niles is viewed as a utility option who can provide competition to Coleman at right back. The Toffees made a loan bid with an option to buy which has been rejected by the Gunners. In a rather embarrassing turn of events for Arsenal, Maitland-Niles has gone public stating that he wants to go where he gets to play.
Following his public plea, Maitland-Niles had talks with manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu Gaspar who have told him that the 24 year old will stay at Arsenal. However, with 24 hours still to go in the transfer window, things could still change.
Everton have done smart business this summer. Unlike previous windows where splashing cash has been the norm, the club adopted a more prudent approach and so far it’s working wonders. The transfers of Townsend and Gray act as a testament. With the desire to bring Maitland-Niles on loan, Everton are hoping to kill two birds with one stone.
Maitland-Niles adds competition at right back and most importantly offers security. Coleman has been troubled by niggles, forcing him to miss games occasionally, exposing Everton’s lack of depth at right back. Last summer, Mason Holgate deputized in the right back role but the 24 year old was far from sound and comfortable.
Maitland-Niles bolsters the options at right back and provides a different outlet to the Toffees. The 24 year old started his career as a winger possessing pace and dribbling. Opportunities saw him morphed into a central midfielder and even a right wing back. Over the course of time, Maitland-Niles’ versatility to play in the central midfield, as well as a right back, became one of his greatest strengths. The Arsenal man’s work rate is commendable.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles can play as a right back as well as a central midfielder
Everton’s midfield is finally in the best shape. Allan, Abdoulaye Docuoure and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are all fit and raring to go. Andre Gomes and Tom Davies make up reasonable options for Rafa to play with. Meanwhile, Fabian Delph is also a squad option in the books of Benitez. A common concurrent theme in the midfield is injuries.
Allan missed 13 games last season due to a muscle injury. Gbamin has just woken up from an athlete’s worst nightmare, remaining sidelined for almost two seasons before finally making a full fledged comeback. Gomes is also prone to knocks which sees him miss few games every season. Gbamin could be headed to play the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2022.
With injuries aching the Everton engine room, Maitland-Niles can further help in shoring up the midfield. His versatile nature can strengthen two Everton departments. The 24 year old might not be a world beater or the most popular choice, nor is he a bound to be a statement signing for the Toffees, but through the Arsenal man, Everton aim to solve two problems that have lingered for far too long.
Perhaps, this transfer window is all about that. Making sensible and shrewd decisions rather than chasing big names.
Will Everton manage to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles?