Arsenal idol shares Ainsley Maitland-Niles verdict after £17m deal completed
Kevin Campbell has suggested Ainsley Maitland-Niles could return to a squad role at Arsenal this season after Nottingham Forest cooled their interest in signing the versatile star.
The former Gunners striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it is only worth parting with the 24-year-old if Mikel Arteta’s side receive a transfer fee for his services.
Five-time England international Maitland-Niles is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in less than 12 months’ time.
He had been linked with Nottingham Forest – but the promoted side have instead completed the £17million signing of Neco Williams.
Maitland-Niles spent the second half of last term on loan at Jose Mourinho’s Roma – making 12 appearances across all competitions as they won the Europa Conference League.
The right-footed ace can play on both sides as a winger and full-back, as well as in the heart of the midfield – with the lion’s share of his professional minutes coming on the right flank.
Campbell suggested that versatility could mean he sees out the remainder of his deal at Arsenal.
“Maitland-Niles plays so many positions,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“You could make a case to keep him around.
“But at the end of the day, the levels in this Arsenal squad are moving up – and they’re looking to bring in that next bracket of player.
“So if Maitland-Niles is going to see out the rest of his contract then I understand that.
“We could see him hanging around and playing a role unless someone is going to stump up a fee for him.”
In other news, pundit backs Arsenal to sign World Cup winner as “shock approach” reported.