West Ham United ‘working intensively’ to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on free transfer after Arsenal contract expires
West Ham United are “working intensively” to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on a free transfer after he was released by Arsenal, according to Football Transfers.
The six-time England international spent last season on loan at Southampton where he was relegated, although he was among the better performers during his time there.
His experience and flexibility have seen several clubs show an interest in his signature and according to a new report (25 June), West Ham are one of the clubs working to sign him.
“The right footer has plenty of options. According to FT information, Everton FC , West Ham United , Crystal Palace and Sheffield United are working intensively on the flexible professional who can also play in midfield,” they wrote (25 June).
“Representatives from the Championship – England’s second tier – have also recently established contact with the ex-Gunner’s camp.”
Flexible
We all know now that David Moyes is going to be sticking around for the new season as manager and that means Maitland-Niles fits in well with the type of player that he likes.
Able to play in several different positions including central midfield, either full-back or on the wing, a free transfer signing would see him plug a hole in several different areas of the squad for a minimal cost.
No transfer fee usually means higher wages, but West Ham can afford a good wage packet and his experience of playing international football and in the Champions League and Europa League with Arsenal will no doubt be a positive thing for this squad.
He’s unlikely to be first-choice in any of his positions though and that could go against Moyes and the Hammers, but it’s interesting to note that he is under consideration at all and that a deal is on the cards at this stage.
