Wolves in advanced talks to sign Maitland Niles
Wolves are in advanced talks to sign Ainsley Maitland Niles on a four year deal from Arsenal, according to Sky Sports.
The transfer fee as well as personal terms for the player are still being negotiated but the move is expected to be completed this week, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
Arsenal have deemed the 22 year old surplus to requirements and will reportedly accept a fee in excess of £20 million for the Englishman. The North London club are aware of their need to raise funds for incomings this summer.
The 22 year old is an Arsenal academy graduate and has made 100 appearances for the Gunners. This season, he made 33 appearances in all competitions. He did not feature too much in the second half of the 2019/20 season but gained head coach Mikel Arteta’s trust towards the end of the campaign and started both the semi final as well as the final of the FA Cup as the Gunners won the competition for a record fourteenth time.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are keen on strengthening their options in central midfield and in the fullback department. Maitland Niles ticks both boxes and his versatility is seen as a huge asset. Johnny Otto will spend between six and nine months on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the English club’s Europa League victory over Greek side Olympiakos earlier this month. This has increased Wolves’ need to bolster their squad depth ahead of the new season.
As revealed by Gooner Talk in June, Maitland Niles appointed prominent British agent Aidy Ward, the agent of players like Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, as his new representative. This was seen as a move to secure a transfer away from Arsenal.
Maitland Niles has three years remaining on his contract with Arsenal. He has represented England from the Under 17 level to the Under 21 level. He was a part of the England team that won the Under 20 FIFA World Cup in 2017.
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