TalkSport pundit admits he finds two Arsenal transfer rumours ‘strange’

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Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist has admitted that he finds it ‘strange’ that Arsenal would be willing to let Rob Holding and Ainsley Maitland-Niles leave the club amid rumours.

McCoist told talkSPORT (01/09/20 at 7:50 am) that he can perhaps get on board with Holding moving out on-loan, but he ‘likes’ Maitland-Niles as a player and thinks he should stay.

The Chronicle did report that Holding, who is wanted by Leeds and Newcastle, has seen his move to St James’ Park stalled, whilst the Express have claimed that Wolves are keen on Maitland-Niles.

It seems as though Maitland-Niles has won over his manager, but with rumours still circulating about the duo’s future, this is what ex-Rangers striker, McCoist, had to say.

“I find that a little bit strange, but possibly not as strange as Maitland-Niles,” McCoist told TalkSport. “I can understand Holding getting away, getting games and playing. A loan deal at Newcastle.

“That, for me, makes more sense than getting rid of Maitland-Niles. Maybe Arteta sees it differently. But I like Maitland-Niles. I think he gives you one or two options.

“I know sometimes players have got a price and if the price is met you cannot knock that back. I get that. But I just thought, and it looks like wrongly, that moving forward that Arsenal, who are making big strides, that Maitland-Niles would be a part of that.”

Maitland-Niles would be a bigger loss for the Gunners than Holding because of the performances he has put in during these last few months.

From the way, the recently called up England international, has dealt with certain players has to be applauded.

Whether it’s the speed and power of an Adama Traore or the more precise and technically-gifted left-foot of Riyad Mahrez, it hasn’t been too much of a problem for the Arsenal academy product.