Atletico to move for Maitland-Niles

Atletico Madrid are preparing to move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal when the transfer window opens next week, according to Sky Sports.

The 23-year-old is a versatile player on the right flank, fully capable of playing as a fullback, a midfielder or a winger, according to need. Under Mikel Arteta he has mostly been deployed as a wing-back in a 3-4-3 shape, though he has performed other roles too.

Maitland-Niles was reportedly of strong interest to Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer, after they sold Matt Doherty to Tottenham Hotspur. A deal was apparently close until Arsenal decided to keep his services for themselves.

But with Kieran Trippier now banned for 10 weeks, Atletico boss Diego Simeone has found himself short on options on the right flank and Maitland-Niles seems like a fine alternative for the former Spurs man.

It seems Arsenal’s resolve about him being a part of their future is about to be tested again.