LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 18: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal battle for the ball during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on July 18, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthew Childs/Pool via Getty Images)
Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and the two clubs are reportedly negotiating a deal. Maitland-Niles, who has come through the ranks at the Emirates, has made 100 appearances for the north London side in all competitions.
As per Sky Sports, Arsenal are willing to let the 22-year-old leave the club, and are demanding a fee of around £20 million. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly not a fan of the versatile young player and wants to sell him.
The Englishman has three years on his current deal at Arsenal, having signed a five-year contract in 2018.
A few seasons ago, Maitland-Niles was touted to become a future England international and one that could be a key player for the Gunners. But, it hasn’t quite worked out for him on expected lines with progress somewhat slow, and he can’t be blamed, considering the lack of quality and stability in this current Arsenal side. Maitland-Niles is still young at 22 years of age and could map a more satisfactory career graph at an exciting club like Wolves who are bristling with newfound confidence and consistency.
He is a versatile player, who can play in numerous positions, and use his pace, dribbling ability and neat passing to good effect. Maitland-Niles has played as a right-sided winger, right wing-back, right full-back, and has even played a few times over on the left side. The Englishman has also played a handful of times in central midfield showing a frightening level of versatility.
Maitland-Niles’ ability to adjust competently in all these positions will be a key reason why Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo is interested in signing him. Wolves’ five-man defence requires the wing-backs to bomb forward and attack, especially in counter-attacking scenarios. Maitland-Niles could be a great fit in this system, either as a wing-back or a wide player, giving the squad quality depth, due to the lack of which they struggled at times in the recently concluded marathon season.
The player could offer competition to Matt Doherty at right wing-back, while also being an option over on the left side. Wolves left wing-back Jonny Otto suffered a serious injury, which will keep him out of action for a while. Maitland-Niles could fit in that role, and will be a threat on the attack.
Wolves have done fantastically well over the last few seasons in the Premier League, but they will need a few fresh faces to go on and challenge the top 6 in the league. The signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be a good one, and will strengthen their squad considerably.
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