Newcastle put off by Arsenal’s £25 million valuation of Maitland-Niles

Newcastle United are interested in signing Ainsley Maitland Niles this summer but have been put off by Arsenal’s £25 million valuation of the player, according to Luke Edwards of the Telegraph.

Steve Bruce’s side believe the 22 year old would be open to moving to Newcastle but have a transfer budget of between £30 and £35 million this summer and so might not be able to submit an offer for the England Under 21 international that Arsenal deem acceptable. Bruce will have to be innovative if he is to land Maitland Niles this summer. 

Wolves are also interested in signing the versatile Englishman in the current transfer window and have had an opening bid of £15 million rejected by the Gunners. They remain in talks with the North London club and an improved offer is expected to be lodged in the coming days. Two german clubs are also preparing offers for Maitland Niles, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. 

Some have reported that Arsenal would be willing to sell the player for £20 million but the Telegraph believe the Gunners are looking for £25 million for their academy product. 

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. It is understood that the player wants to play regularly and does not see that happening at Arsenal.

Head coach Mikel Arteta offered an update on Maitland Niles’ future in his press conference ahead of the Community Shield. He said:

“Yes, we’re reading a lot of news about our players which is not bad that other clubs want him but with Ainsley, he’s a player that I’ve said since I joined that I really like.”

“The best way to show that is that I have played him in the most important games of the season and he responded really well, so that’s where we are with the player.” 

“I am always open to listening to what the player is feeling at every stage of their career and then I can give them my opinion of how I see them, what I expect from them and if we have the right understanding, then we have to move forward together.”

“If there is something that doesn’t work then we have to assess it with the player and the club and then find the right decision for both of them.”

Ainsley Maitland Niles is expected to play in the North London side’s game against Liverpool in the Community Shield later today.