Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu have reportedly told Ainsley Maitland-Niles that he can leave Arsenal today, permitting it is not to a Premier League rival. The 23-year-old is desperate for regular playing time ahead of the European Championship this summer and wants to leave the club on loan.
Arteta won't let Maitland-Niles leave Arsenal for a direct rival (Image: GETTY)
"We know what we want to do, the conversations we've had which are for various reasons and let's see if we can get something done tonight."
According to Sky Sports, Arteta has since held a meeting with Maitland-Niles to discuss his future.
Reporter Emma Paton revealed: "In the last five minutes, we actually understand that Mikel Arteta and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have had another conversation.
"It was a 20-minute meeting with Arteta, Maitland-Niles and technical director Edu of course.
"Maitland-Niles has said 'look I want to leave, I want to get game time.'
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"He of course, has only started five Premier League games so far this season for Arsenal.
"He really wants to be part of Gareth Southgate's plans for the Euros in the summer.
"They had this 20-minute meeting but Arteta and Edu told the player 'look, we are willing to let you leave but not to a Premier League rival'.
"This morning we told you that four clubs were interested in taking Maitland-Niles on loan, one of those is Leicester so that you assume is that Premier League rival.
"Another club was Southampton but it looks like cold water has been poured over that one.
West Brom could land Maitland-Niles on loan from Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
"They were looking for cover at wing-back but Ainsley Maitland-Niles wants to play in midfield, that is his preferred position."
Crucially, West Brom would be willing to let Maitland-Niles play in midfield as they battle to beat the drop.
It means Sam Allardyce stands in good stead of landing the player as he looks to bolster his depleted ranks at The Hawthorns.
Paton added: "Newcastle had today made an approach for Joe Willock and you can't have two players on loan from the same club.
"West Brom look like they are leading the race to get Ainsley Maitland-Niles at the club."