Newcastle should have got the cheque-book out to sign Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the summer transfer window.

What was the story?

The Telegraph claimed back in late August that the Magpies were one of the clubs interested in signing the England international, with the Gunners seemingly open to a sale of their academy product.

However, it was revealed Steve Bruce's side had been put off by the £25m valuation placed on his head, and with fellow Premier League outfit Wolves also refusing to match that fee, Maitland-Niles stayed put at the Emirates.

Versatility would have been key for Bruce

Whilst Maitland-Niles may be being used a left wing-back at Arsenal these days, his versatility would have been something that Bruce would surely have appreciated at St James' Park.

Able to play in either full-back/wing-back role, or even further forward out wide or in central midfield, the England international is the kind of player every squad would love having.

In fact, former Gunners ace Jeremie Aliadiere waxed lyrical about Maitland-Niles, saying: "I rate Maitland-Niles really highly. I like the fact that he’s so versatile and technically he’s very good and confident on the ball. The fact that Maitland-Niles can play anywhere makes him priceless to the team."

Bruce and Newcastle saw what the Gunners ace can do first-hand, when he played a pivotal role in Arsenal's 1-0 triumph at St James' Park last season, providing the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's winner in an all-action display. Playing at right-back, he also won ten of his 17 ground duels and made four tackles and three interceptions too as per Sofascore.

He may have cost £25m, but when you think of the sheer number of positions he could have filled in for at Newcastle, then it really seems like they missed an absolute steal.