West Bromwich Albion agree to loan Arsenal midfielder

West Bromwich Albion have reached an agreement with Arsenal over a short-term loan deal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The England international was initially fancied to join Southampton on loan, but he snubbed them due to his positional demands.

The 23-year-old has played as a full-back or wing-back over the past few years at Arsenal, but he is desperate to play in his familiar midfield role.

Leicester City were interested in him, but the Gunners did not want to deal with the Foxes, who are competing for European football alongside them.

Hence, the Baggies were the player's other choice and Sky Sports News reports that he will spend the rest of the season on loan.

Maitland-Niles has earned three caps with the Three Lions on the back of his consistent displays for the Gunners earlier last year.

He should receive regular playing time with the Baggies and will be hoping to stake a claim for the Euro 2020 squad with standout displays.