Arsenal are not ready to let Ainsley Maitland-Niles leave the club easily. The Englishman is playing in Arsenal’s Community Shield game vs. Liverpool this afternoon, in a sign that the club are by no means satisfied with the offers received to date.
Arsenal appear willing to part with some first team players, including Maitland-Niles as they prepare to rebuild their midfield to suit new boss Mikel Arteta. It was originally reported that Arsenal had put a £20million price tag on Ainsley’s head, and that they recently rejected a £15million bid from Wolves.
We told you last week that Newcastle were battling Wolves for the signature of Niles, valued at £20million. But a report on Saturday from The Telegraph, suggested that the Gunners have put a £25million price tag on the versatile Englishman. To be honest that appears a fair price to me, given the players age, recent form and ability to play numerous positions. Newcastle though, have ‘baulked’ at that asking price.
It could be that Arsenal eventually agree to a fee around that £20million mark, but for now it looks like they are taking advantage of the numerous clubs interested by raising their asking price.
Tottenham had been linked as well, but they have since denied that they are preparing a bid. Fresh Arsenal understands that Brighton are also interested in Maitland-Niles – so there is no shortage of suitors for the versatile Englishman.
The club may also revaluate their decision to sell the player at all, with Arteta publicly a fan of him. Hector Bellerin is also being linked with a move away from the club and it is not clear whether Arsenal would be willing to sell both Niles and Bellerin. Could it be a case of who they receive a larger bid for?