Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be on his way out of Arsenal and West Yorkshire club Leeds United could be the perfect fit for the young talented Englishman. Having impressed on his loan at West Bromwich Albion, it remains to see if Maitland-Niles will be in Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s plans heading into the next season. If not, we could see the young versatile midfielder leave the London club and move to another Premier League club.
The Daily Mail reported that Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and French club AS Monaco are eyeing the 23-year-old. However, it seems that Maitland-Niles could really profit from a move to Leeds, and could have a starring role in the team.
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly on the lookout for a midfielder and a left-back. It is no secret that Ainsley Maitland-Niles has proven that he can play in both those positions and can flourish there. Bielsa has shown that he loves versatile players, and Stuart Dallas, a current Leeds United player is one of his favorites, starting almost all games. Former striker and a now pundit, Chris Sutton praised the Englishman‘s versatility saying that it is his ‘weapon’.
Furthermore, Maitland-Niles is a quick player and has a quick footballing brain that helps him out in sticky situations. He has quick feet and can dribble quite well. His acceleration and speed are attributes that most defenders fear. He can leave defenders lying in his wake and is a perfect fit for Leeds United’s quick and direct style of play. Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play requires quick players who also have a lot of stamina. Maitland-Niles fits the profile perfectly and hence the Argentine coach could well be on the lookout for him.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is valued at a reported £25 million and could be the subject of a battle in the summer if Mikel Arteta decides that he no longer has a future at Arsenal. The midfielder earns around £45,000 a week at Arsenal and that makes him a desirable target for any mid-table team. Leeds United will be looking to push for a European spot next season and Maitland-Niles, who has the experience of playing in the Europa League, could well help them achieve that if he were to join the West Yorkshire club.
