Everton fans have reacted on Twitter to Ainsley Maitland-Niles pleading to Arsenal on his Instagram story to let him leave.
There have been suggestions that Everton want to sign the Arsenal academy product before Tuesday’s deadline, according to Sky Sports.
But clearly, the player, who is yet to start a game for Mikel Arteta this season, has been told otherwise and he expressed his frustration on social media, as you can see below.
Everton fans have likened this situation to Sergio Romero and their battles to sign the then-Manchester United keeper last summer.
It seems as though the Goodison Park faithful are on board with the idea of signing Maitland-Niles.
But some have pointed out that it’s perhaps not ideal bringing in a player who has expressed a desire to leave so publicly.
Given the mess Arsenal are in, the likes of Arteta and Edu aren’t exactly going to come out of this with their reputations enhanced even if it was wrong of Maitland-Niles to openly speak about his transfer situation.
In January, the versatile player did move to West Brom, where he played in the middle of the park, but he didn’t impress as the Baggies were relegated.
But clearly, those on Merseyside still feel they can get something out of Maitland-Niles, who can also play at fullback.
This time last season, the 23-year-old was going to earn his first England call ahead of the delayed Euro 2020 – playing as a fullback.
Fast forward to today and he’s not even in the thoughts of Gareth Southgate given how far he has fallen down the pecking order.
Therefore, from that perspective, it’s understandable why Maitland-Niles wants to leave because he probably feels he won’t get the game time at the Emirates.
This is how Everton fans reacted to Maitland-Niles’ IG post:
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