Chambers is yet to appear for Arsenal in the current campaign, with competition for spots on the high.
It is six weeks to the January transfer window, and agents, scouts and coaches are busy. There has been ample time to know the chinks in the armour andntify what needs correcting. Injuries have also played their part, with teams needing temporary replacements and backups till the end of the season. So far, we have been keeping tabs with the latest transfer news ahead of the window and it appears Everton might be one of the busy sides come January.
Everton have seen their early season form tail off and are now in the market come January for reinforcements. The Toffees manager Rafa Benitez hasntified several players that would be good additions to his squad.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is one of the players to have caught the Spaniard’s eye, but bringing him to Goodison Park in January may be a bridge too far. A plan B, however, exists in case Everton are unable to bag the versatile player.
Everton show interest in Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Arsenal are fifth on the Premiership log after a disastrous opening to the campaign. The Gunners can pin their fine form to the lack of continental commitments, which would have stretched their squad.
The Gunners gaffer understands that his squad needs to be fresh and stands an excellent opportunity to make the top four at the end of the season and would need all hands on deck to do so. It is why Everton’s interest in Ainsley Maitland-Niles is some bother for the Spanish manager.
Everton are in the market for a right-back as ageing captain Seamus Coleman is slowing down. The Toffees want to resurrect their interest in the versatile Arsenal player. The Toffees are waiting on the wings of an opportunity to swoop in for Niles.
Maitland-Niles has been a subject of interest for Everton for a while, with Everton even trying to bring him to Goodison Park on a season-long loan deal, with an option to buy.
Arsenal rejected the bid as they see the Englishman as a player with immense value to the team. Maitland-Niles happens to play both in defence and midfield, which is a skill Arteta values. It makes him a vital component of his squad. However, Maitland-Niles is not happy with the rejection as he expected to move in January.
Calum Chambers an option for the Toffees
Regardless, a window of opportunity remains for Rafa Benitez. The Toffees gaffer looks to explore the possibility of signing Calum Chambers permanently from Arsenal. According to The Sun, Chambers could leave on a reduced price in something that would delight Benitez.
Arsenal would be willing to let Chambers leave for a reported fee of £5 million. The defender has found game time a luxury this season and will be open to leaving the Emirates.
The 26-year-old has been forced down the pecking order at the Emirates, following the signing of Takehiro Tomiyasu.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
