Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will allow Ainsley Maitland-Niles to leave on transfer deadline day, but had a specific demand to make to West Brom before the deal was concluded.
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Southampton and Leicester were also said to be interested, though West Brom moved ahead of them in the race for the youngster.
Sky Sports’ Emma Paton revealed earlier on deadline day: "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.'
"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.
Mikel Arteta's Ainsley Maitland-Niles demand as Arsenal ace nears transfer exit (Image: REACH PLC)
Mikel Arteta's Ainsley Maitland-Niles demand as Arsenal ace nears transfer exit (Image: GETTY)
"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.
"They were looking for cover at wing-back but Ainsley Maitland-Niles wants to play in midfield, that is his preferred position."