The transfer window may be closed, but Arsenal’s business might not be done and dusted just yet.
Indeed, according to Sky Sports, there is a deal there to be done to bring Serge Aurier to the Emirates Stadium, with the Ivorian reportedly open to a move to the Gunners.
Of course, just because Aurier wants the move doesn’t mean that the London club will go for it. After all, if that’s how football worked most players would be at PSG or Real Madrid rather than playing in League Two.
However, Aurier signing for Arsenal doesn’t sound all that ludicrous. He’s a proven player at Premier League and Champions League level, and despite signing Takehiro Tomiyasu on deadline day, the Gunners are still a bit short for quality at right-back, while the Japan international may turn out to be more of a centre-half in any case.
If Aurier were to sign for Arsenal though, there’s one man we think wouldn’t be too happy about that.
Of course, we’re talking about Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Maitland-Niles made his feelings known towards the end of the transfer window how frustrated he was with his situation at the club, claiming on his own Instagram story that he wants to join a side where he’ll play football.
Since then he’s had clear the air talks with Mikel Arteta and the matter seems to be resolved.
However, if Aurier is brought in, questions will surely need to be asked. After all, it would be even more competition at right-back, the position Arteta sees as Maitland-Niles’ best.
The England international would have every right to be fuming if Aurier joined, and if the Gunners made this move it would only serve to make Maitland-Niles feel even more alienated.
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