Arsenal reject offer from Wolves for Maitland Niles

Arsenal have rejected Wolves’ offer for Ainsley Maitland Niles, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. The bid was made yesterday and was less than £20 million.

The Gunners want a higher fee for the 22 year old. Wolves are not the only club interested in the player. There are two clubs in Germany who are reportedly preparing bids for Maitland Niles. Newcastle are also believed to be keeping tabs on the Englishman’s situation. 

Wolves want to bolster their central midfield as well as their options in the fullback department and could come back with an increased bid in the coming days. Maitland Niles can play in either of those positions and so would tick both boxes. His versatility is one of his strongest assets.

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. 

Maitland Niles is believed to be keen on leaving Arsenal as he wants to play week in week out and this looks unlikely to happen for him at the North London club. As revealed by Gooner Talk in June, the player appointed prominent British agent Aidy Ward, who represents 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.