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.