ATLETICO MADRID are reportedly looking to sign Ainsley Maitland-Miles on loan from Arsenal.
The Mail claims Diego Simeone wants a new right-back next month after Kieran Trippier was hit with a ten-week ban for breaching betting rules.
Atletico Madrid are lining up a January swoop for Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-NilesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Kieran Trippier has been banned for ten weeks after breaching betting rulesCredit: Reuters
The England international, 30, has been a mainstay in the Atletico side currently top of LaLiga with two games in hand.
But Trippier is now set to miss 11 domestic matches, as well as the first leg of the upcoming Champions League last-16 clash with Chelsea.
And Simeone is keen to ensure he has adequate cover at right-back until Trippier, who has been linked with Manchester United, returns in March.
It’s believed his preferred choice is versatile Arsenal ace Maitland-Niles, who has joined Trippier in Gareth Southgate’s recent England squads.
The midfielder-turned-defender, 23, has made 17 appearances under Mikel Arteta this season.
But a number of those games have come from the bench.
And Atletico believe Maitland-Niles would be tempted by a move to Spain with the opportunity of winning a title.
Indeed, Arsenal came close to selling the ace to Wolves last summer before a change of heart.
They are well stocked in the wing-back and midfield positions too.
And with a new creative midfielder on the agenda, Arteta could be open to a deal.
Maitland-Niles has been at Arsenal since 2003 and has made 117 appearances, with a further 32 coming on loan during a season at Ipswich Town.
He made his England debut in September against Denmark and has five full caps to his name.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
