Alan Smith has suggested that he feels reported Tottenham Hotspur and Everton target Ainsley Maitland-Niles could leave Arsenal this summer to Sky Sports.
The Daily Mirror claim Everton and Spurs want to sign Maitland-Niles, as they bid to bolster their own squad.
The 22-year-old has actually forced his way into Mikel Arteta’s side recently.
But Smith feels that there is a real possibility that Maitland-Niles could leave, after what he has heard about the £30 million-rated 22-year-old’s future (The Sun).
And the former Arsenal man doesn’t actually believe it would be as big a blow to Arteta’s side as many suggest if the youngster did depart, with Everton and Tottenham said to be interested.
“It sounds as if Ainsley Maitland-Niles might be leaving the club,” Smith said.
“I know a lot of supporters would think that a shame, having just seen the home-grown product play very well in the FA Cup final.
“A stumbling block here, perhaps, is agreeing on his role. Arteta, I think, feels Maitland-Niles could make it as a right-back, whereas the player himself is far from convinced.
“It is always disappointing seeing local lads leave, but a decent transfer fee would give Arteta some added wriggle room in the market.”
It would be a huge shock if Arsenal were to sanction a deal with Tottenham for the prospect.
Given the rivalry between the two clubs, there surely has to be a huge amount of doubt about the likelihood of a transfer, but the Telegraph have also suggested that Jose Mourinho’s side could be interested, which adds further credibility to the reports.
Maitland-Niles could make a solid option for Spurs, especially as he is able to cover at right-wing back and in midfield.
But Everton do look a considerably more likely buyer of Maitland-Niles than Tottenham.
The Toffees are hunting a central midfielder this summer, and have done plenty of business with the Gunners in recent times.
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