Everton want to strengthen the right back department and are eyeing a move for versatile player Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The Toffees made a loan bid with an option to buy which was rejected by Arsenal.
The Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants to keep him, following which Maitland-Niles went public with his desire to leave the North London club which could have catastrophic implications on the image of Arsenal. The Englishman had important talks with Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar where he communicated his desire to leave but the player was told that as things stand, he will stay at the Emirates Stadium.
However, there’s still hope that Everton can manage to get the deal done before the end of the summer transfer window. Maitland-Niles continues to desire a move away from Arsenal which will allow the Toffees to push for his signing.
On transfer window deadline day, new details have emerged that can create another stumbling block in Everton’s pursuit of Maitland-Niles. This could potentially hamper the Toffees’ pursuit of reinforcement at right back.
Potential stumbling block for Everton in Ainsley Maitland-Niles pursuit
According to Express Journalist Ryan Taylor, the Toffees have not yet lost hope to sign of acquiring Maitland-Niles, and the 24 year old is set to reiterate his desire to leave the club. However, Hector Bellerin could be on his way to Real Betis which could make Maitland-Niles’ exit even more difficult.
Bellerin was expected to leave Arsenal this summer but so far a move hadn’t materialized. The Spaniard is now said to be close to signing for Betis on deadline day. If the 26 year old does leave Arsenal, Maitland-Niles may not get his wish granted of leaving the club.
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The Toffees may than have to begin a new operation for a right back. Nathan Patterson of Rangers was a target but the Merseyside club have seen their two bids rejected and he is now likely to remain at Ibrox. Even if a third bid is to arrive from Everton, Patterson won’t be able to travel for his medical in time as he remains in isolation making the deal now impossible to complete.
The Toffees’ long standing search for a right back doesn’t seem to reach its desired end. Seamus Coleman is not getting any younger and fitter. Jonjoe Kenny hasn’t provided enough evidence to showcase that he’s ready to take over the mantle. Working with Mason Holgate as a makeshift right back in times of need doesn’t seem a feasible solution.
Maitland-Niles is a sizeable option offering versatility. His contract runs till 2023 and has a market value of €16 million. With the player pushing to leave the club, anything could still happen before the eleventh hour.
Especially, with the latest report summing up the sad state of the player at the club. As per Mirror’s John Cross, following the blockage of Maitland-Niles’ move to Everton, the Englishman has been told that he will no longer train with the first team. This is now shaping to be one of the ugly showdowns between the club and the player and needs to be resolved.
Will Everton manage to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles before the end of the transfer deadline day?