Everton have submitted a loan offer to Arsenal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, hoping to sign him with an option to buy before the transfer deadline.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) watches as Arsenal's English midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles takes a throw in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 16, 2020. (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA / POOL / AFP)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) watches as Arsenal’s English midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles takes a throw in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 16, 2020. (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA / POOL / AFP)

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Everton are in talks with Arsenal over a season-long loan deal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles with an option to buy. Everton have submitted the offer, but Arsenal are still considering their options before responding.

Talks are ongoing at this stage, with Maitland-Niles under contract with Arsenal until 2023.

Last week, we covered reports from other outlets that Everton were interested in loaning Maitland-Niles for the season. The 24-year-old would be following the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi in making the switch between the two clubs.

Arsenal reportedly want around £20m for Maitland-Niles, but Everton would prefer a loan.

There’s no word on the size of a potential option to buy, but the issue with options is always that the buying club is in control.

If they decide they don’t want him after half a year, they can just tank his value for the remainder of the season and hand him back. If he turns out to be an incredibly useful addition to their side, Arsenal can’t go back and up the asking price.

Ideally, Arsenal will at least push Everton to accept a loan with an obligation, to guarantee a fee. But with Maitland-Niles playing such a limited role under Mikel Arteta, a move of any kind may well be better than nothing.