Arsenal and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are considering a January loan move for the player in the final days of the window, according to a report.

The Mirror report that Ainsley Maitland-Niles is ready to go out on loan this month, and that Arsenal may well consider the possibility after Cedric Soares’ recent performances at left-back and Martin Odegaard’s arrival on loan.

From Maitland-Niles’ point of view, he knows that Gareth Southgate rates him highly, but he also knows he’ll have little chance of making the England Euros squad if he doesn’t play regularly. So a loan might make sense for him.

Wolves reportedly may look to resurrect their interest in the player, and Atletico Madrid were also linked in recent times.

Mikel Arteta answered questions on Maitland-Niles’ potential concerns about game time on Thursday.

“Yes, it is a concern when there is international football involved as well and the chance to reach that opportunity (to play at the Euros),” Arteta said.

“I understand that Ainsley wants more minutes and what he needs to do is fight, train and challenge his teammates and show us that he can be one of our starters.”

It’s just difficult to see where Maitland-Niles breaks in at the moment. Cedric has looked much more effective at left-back than the 23-year-old did in his last appearance, and there isn’t much room in midfield or at right-back either.

He’s battling for a spot with Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin, Cedric, Thomas Partey, and Dani Ceballos. Right now, he’s not ahead of any of them – in terms of form or experience. Perhaps a loan is for the best.