Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has been sharing some insight into a potential transfer move from Crystal Palace for Ainsley Maitland-Niles during the current summer window.
This comes after Watts recently uploaded a video onto his YouTube channel where he spoke about a range of topics concerning Mikel Arteta’s side.
Maitland-Niles was linked with a move to Selhurst Park around a month ago, but remains an Arsenal player following last season’s loan spell at West Bromwich Albion.
On the subject of Maitland-Niles, Watts had this to say about the player as talk around a move to Palace appears to have resurfaced.
He said: “There has been suggestions maybe Crystal Palace could be doing something or trying to get something done for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
“I’m not sure about that myself, I haven’t had it confirmed, but that’s just the sort of whispers that are doing the rounds.”
Maitland-Niles, who is a product of Arsenal’s youth academy, made his senior debut for the north London club back in 2014 in a Champions League clash against Turkish club Galatasaray under former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
Since then, the 23-year-old, who is currently valued at £14.4 million, has made 121 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions in which he has managed to score three goals and provide seven assists along the way (per Transfermarkt).
TIF Thoughts on Charles Watts’ comments on a potential move for Maitland-Niles from Palace…
If Palace are looking to sign Maitland-Niles this summer, either on loan or a permanent basis, the fact that he can play in a number of positions on the pitch could make him a useful addition to Patrick Vieira’s squad, especially with the club potentially losing a number of players that are at the end of their contracts.
Would you take Ainsley Maitland-Niles at Palace?
Yes
No
Also, with the Englishman having a loan spell at West Brom last season, perhaps the club could be persuaded to send him on another loan deal to somewhere like Palace if he would be guaranteed regular playing time, which could make it a good move for all parties if it does come to fruition.
However, it seems that is unlikely at this stage following Watts’ comments on the rumours – though there is plenty of the transfer window to go and Vieira’s arrival arguably leaves no shortage of options on the table in terms of Palace’s recruitment.
In other news: ‘It’s a little bit awkward’ – Cook drops claim on CPFC 29 y/o after ‘conversations’ with Vieira