West Ham are looking at a potential loan move for Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles before the end of the summer transfer window, according to ExWHUemployee.
The 24-year-old is predominantly a right-midfielder but has experience playing as a right-back and in central midfield.
David Moyes is eager to bolster his squad further before the September 1st transfer window deadline and while left-back is the obvious priority right now, it appears the Scot is considering moves for players to add depth in other areas of the squad.
And the ever-reliable insider claimed on his West Ham Way Patreon page earlier this week that West Ham are targeting a loan deal for the Gunners academy product, although it’s claimed Arsenal are only interested in a permanent transfer.
Premier League clubs have a maximum of two domestic loan slots each season and, with the club playing across four different competitions again this season, it would certainly make sense to make use of those slots by loaning fringe players from so-called stronger clubs in key positions.
Maitland-Niles has struggled to cement himself as an Arsenal regular since his first-team debut in 2014, making just 132 appearances in all competitions since then, scoring three goals and assisting eight.
The five-cap England international spent last season on loan at Roma, although he only managed 12 first-team appearances under Jose Mourinho.
The season before that, he was on loan at West Brom but then only managed 15 appearances as the Baggies were relegated from the Premier League.
The fact he has failed to make his mark while on loan at his last two clubs, including one the size of Roma, does not bode well from a West Ham perspective but, if it’s just a loan deal being considered, then there is no risk of this becoming a long-term transfer mistake if he is, once again, unable to make an impact.
That is, of course, if a deal is even agreed, which doesn’t look to be anywhere close to developing beyond initial interest right now.
