Ainsley Maitland-Niles is now a free agent and Bournemouth should consider offering the player a contract.
As reported by Sky Sports, Sheffield United and Luton Town are currently leading the race to secure Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ services for the upcoming campaign.
Maitland-Niles is currently without a club, having left Arsenal upon the expiry of his contract. The 25-year-old spent last season on loan with Southampton, and played regularly for the Saints, but was unable to prevent the south coast club succumbing to relegation.
The versatile player has also had recent loan stints with West Bromwich Albion and Roma. He also had spells in the Arsenal first team. In total, Maitland-Niles made 132 appearances for the Gunners, having come through the club’s academy.
Maitland-Niles was a key figure for Arsenal in the 2019/20 season, and earned each of his 5 England caps around that time. He impressed throughout the north London club’s triumphant FA Cup run that year, and played in the final for Mikel Arteta’s side when they beat Chelsea.
However, Maitland-Niles’ stated desire to play in a central midfield role, rather than at full-back, contributed to him falling out of Arteta’s plans.
Why Bournemouth should sign Maitland-Niles
Andoni Iraola has stated his desire to strengthen Bournemouth’s midfield contingent. Bringing in Maitland-Niles on a free transfer would give the player the opportunity to play in his preferred position, whilst also solving the Cherries’ issue with depth in that part of the pitch.
Maitland-Niles is a brilliant passer of the ball, is very comfortable in possession, and is defensively solid.
His versatility would make him a useful asset at the Vitality Stadium across the course of the campaign. However, Bournemouth will have to act fast to get a deal done.