Newcastle ‘expected’ to ‘hijack’ Maitland-Niles talks after Arsenal exit update – pundit
Noel Whelan has tipped Newcastle United to make a move to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal amid reported talks over a loan switch.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 24-year-old could return to the Gunners a better player or net the north London club a “tidy transfer fee” in future.
According to the Daily Mail (27 December), Maitland-Niles and Arsenal are in discussion with Roma over a six-month loan ahead of the winter window.
The report also claims the Italian side will have the option of making the transfer permanent for a fee of £8.4million.
However, Whelan expects Newcastle to hijack the discussions with Jose Mourinho’s men.
“The young man isn’t getting too many minutes at Arsenal,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“You know for a fact that he will get that under Jose Mourinho at Roma.
“Jose seems like he’s tapping into resources he’s got over here in England – and why not? There are some really special, young players here who aren’t getting a look in.
“Tammy Abraham is at Roma already, so Mourinho will feel that he can make him feel welcome and valued at the club.
“If it’s a loan deal and he succeeds then it’s a win-win for Arsenal. They either come away with a tidy transfer fee or Maitland-Niles can come back from Italy a better player.
“I’m surprised it’s just Roma interested in him. I expect Newcastle to be in for him too, and they could hijack talks.”
Maitland-Niles has started just two league games for Arsenal this term after seeing a loan move to Everton fall through during the summer.
The midfielder has not featured for the Gunners since 20 November.
In other news, Kevin Campbell is ‘buzzing’ for one Arsenal player after an ‘incredible’ training ground reveal.