Simon Jordan has hit out at Ainsley-Maitland Niles on talkSPORT for his actions as he searches for a move away from Arsenal on transfer deadline day.
Everton were seemingly keen on bringing Maitland-Niles to Goodison Park, but that deal hasn’t happened yet as the clock ticks closer to that 11 pm deadline.
But on Monday, Maitland-Niles took matters into his own hands and posted on Instagram that he wants to move to a place where he is ‘wanted’ and where he is ‘going to play’, as reported by Sky Sports.
Since then, all of this saga has had its twists and turns because The Mirror’s John Cross has now claimed on Twitter that the 23-year-old won’t be training with the first team.
Former Crystal Palace owner Jordan shared his thoughts on the Maitland-Niles and claimed that he would now tell the player ‘you are definitely staying’.
“It’s not Arsenal’s job to supplement Everton who are rivals of Arsenal at this stage, with a loan player,” said Jordan. It certainly isn’t the player’s right, he might think it’s his prerogative, to go out on social media and effectively criticise the club.
On him not being wanted by the club: “Well, he has that conversation internally. He doesn’t have it through social media. He doesn’t have that right, it’s not his gift.
“Why isn’t he in Arsenal’s team? Because the team stinks right now and he has to look at himself as to why he’s not in the Arsenal team. His performances at West Brom last year didn’t pull up any trees.
“Secondly, you are a professional footballer, it’s not your gift to go out there to criticise or make observations about the club you are currently playing for. If it was me, I would fine him and say ‘now you are definitely staying.'”
With hours remaining before deals can no longer be concluded, it seems as though Maitland-Niles will be staying at Arsenal.
Given his actions on social media, it’s going to be interesting to see what type of reaction he gets from those within the club and the supporters.
The Hale-End academy product hasn’t started a game for Arteta this season.
And these recent actions have probably pushed him further down the pecking order in North London.
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