Arsenal are in the process of landing Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna and the Japan defender is expected to be put through his medical checks after a fee was agreed.
However, Arsenal need to shift either Maitland-Niles or Bellerin – both players want to go – off the books.
Everton want Maitland-Niles, but it is claimed that their loan bid for the player is not currently acceptable to Arsenal.
Bellerin is hopeful of moving to Spanish side Real Betis.
And it is claimed that a departure for Bellerin is currently looking more likely than Maitland-Niles heading to Everton.
Maitland-Niles is poised to press his case during talks with Mikel Arteta this afternoon though as he seeks an exit.
He wants to head to Everton, where he feels he would play regular football, and is keen to convince Arsenal to let him leave before the window shuts.
