Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is not surprised to see Arsenal make a move for Patrick Van Aanholt, telling Sky (2.24pm) that the Dutch international is good enough to thrive at the Emirates.
With time running out, it seems unlikely that Arsenal will manage to bring in a new left-back before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
The Mirror reported on Sunday that the London giants were planning a late-raid of neighbours Crystal Palace, hoping that the £14 million Van Aanholt would be available on a cut-price fee with just a few months left on his contract.
But, while Hodgson is convinced that the former Chelsea youngster would be a smash hit under Mikel Arteta, he is not prepared to sanction the sudden departure of a key player.
“I’ve heard nothing but if you’re asking me if I think he’s good enough to play for Arsenal – yes I do,” said the ex-England boss.
“(But) this is where he is contracted and where I expect him to stay.”
It remains to be seen what this means for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The 23-year-old academy graduate is a loan target for multiple Premier League clubs but Arsenal may decide against letting him go unless they can bring in a new face of their own this evening.
After all, the versatile Maitland-Niles is one of the few players in Arteta’s squad capable of filling in at left-back if required.
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