Newcastle United want to sign Arsenal midfielder

Newcastle United have entered the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, according to The Athletic.

The England international spent the second half of last season on loan with West Bromwich Albion.

He has another two years left on his contract, and reports claim that the Gunners are keen to offload him.

The Magpies have yet to make any signings, but there could be some transfer activity in the coming weeks.

Maitland-Niles has been identified as a potential midfield target, but the £20m price tag remains an issue.

The club are working on a small pre-sales budget of only £10m. They could propose an initial loan for Maitland-Niles.

It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will consider the proposal, given the widespread interest in their graduate.

Leicester City, Southampton and Burnley have also been linked with the 23-year-old, who can play in the full-back roles.

The Foxes and Saints attempted to sign him on loan in January this year.