According to the Telegraph and numerous other outlets, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is close to leaving Arsenal to join Wolves.
The reported transfer fee is around £20 million for the man who helped the Gunners lift the FA Cup in what looks set to be his final match for the club.
Given Wolves have a thin, streamlined squad, any new faces would likely have an impact on a few existing faces.
With that in mind, we’ve picked out three of Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad who might be watching the Maitland-Niles situation with interest…
Ruben Vinagre
With Jonny set to miss the start of the season with injury, Vinagre looked set to kick off 2020/21 as Wolves’ starting left wing-back.
Maitland-Niles is a versatile player and can play as a wing-back on either side.
With much of Santo’s first choice team established, Vinagre looks most vulnerable to be dropped out in favour of Maitland-Niles when the season kicks off.
Leander Dendoncker
Maitland-Niles is a central midfielder by trade, who was often played out of position in defence by Arsenal.
There’s a reasonable chance he will expect to play in the engine room at Molineux, hoping to establish himself as a Premier League player in his best position.
With Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho so established, that looks most likely to impact Leander Dendoncker’s position in the side.
It’s not the end of the world for the Belgian, who can play in central defence as well and should get plenty of games.
Matt Doherty
This might be a slightly left-field choice given that Doherty enjoyed yet another outstanding season in 2019/20.
But Maitland-Niles can play right wing-back, and his arrival might give the Irishman a rest at times during what looks set to be a grueling season.
Perhaps the two will battle for the role on the right of defence, with Adama Traore also capable of playing there if needed.
That said, it would be a huge shock if Doherty didn’t start on the opening weekend of the season.
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