Ainsley Maitland-Niles 'desperate to leave Arsenal'

Arsenal's versatile midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is reportedly desperate to leave the club before Monday's transfer deadline.

The 23-year-old has failed to nail down a regular place in Mikel Arteta's starting lineup and is hoping to move to a club where he can receive more game time.

The Daily Mirror reports that Leicester City are interested in a loan deal with an option to buy in the summer, while Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United have also registered their interest.

Maitland-Niles is hoping to represent England at next summer's Euro 2020, having established himself as a regular in Gareth Southgate's plans, but understands that he may have to move away from the Emirates if he is to make the final 23-man squad.

The midfielder was understood to have been close to a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, however the Gunners were keen for him to stay and turned down a £20m offer.

Maitland-Niles has played in 11 of Arsenal's 21 Premier League matches this campaign, failing to score and providing just one assist.