Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles is apparently closing in on a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers even despite Mikel Arteta’s comments at yesterday’s press conference, the Guardian report.
Arsenal have knocked back one bid from Wolves for their academy graduate, but Nuno’s side are expected to come back with an improved £20 million offer.
The Guardian feel that negotiations are going well, and they believe that Maitland-Niles is getting ever closer to the exit at the Emirates Stadium.
That could be a disappointment to Arteta, who only added further doubt over the 22-year-old’s future yesterday.
The Spanish boss suggested that he wanted to keep Maitland-Niles, despite strong rumours he will depart.
“We are reading a lot of news about our players which is not bad that other clubs want him but with Ainsley, he’s a player that I’ve said since I joined that I really like,” Arteta said to the London Evening Standard, with the report suggesting that talks are now planned.
“The best way to show that is that I have played him in the most important games of the season and he responded really well, so that’s where we are with the player.”
Arteta has previously called Maitland-Niles ‘incredible’ (Birmingham Mail) and is a big fan of the prospect’s ability.
However, it seems that the Arsenal boss may have to go through the current campaign with the versatile youngster.
That could be a blow to the Gunners, as Maitland-Niles was in good form towards the end of last season.
But with Arsenal needing to raise funds, it seems that the temptation to cash in on a player without a guaranteed starting spot was too much for some on the Arsenal board.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
