Ornstein claims Arsenal man wants out over Mikel Arteta ‘trust’ issue
Arsenal defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles reportedly wants to leave the club this summer over a trust issue with boss Mikel Arteta.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Maitland-Niles wants out as feels that the Gunners chief does not trust him.
The 22-year-old is primarily a central midfielder but has been deployed at right-back for the majority of his Arsenal career.
Maitland-Niles has struggled for regular playing time since the restart. That is despite being a key player when Arteta became boss last December.
The Arsenal academy graduate featured in every minute of the Spaniard’s first six Premier League games in charge. However, he has played in only four of the subsequent 12 – featuring a total of just 70 minutes.
As reported back in March, disciplinary issues and the Maitland-Niles’ preference to play in midfield contributed to his lack of playing minutes recently.
There is also feeling that some factions at Arsenal believe that it is time for Maitland-Niles to move on.
The talented star is attracting interests from clubs in England and Germany, and a summer exit looks almost certain.
The report adds that Arsenal could be willing to cash in on him as they look to secure much-needed finances to bring in new recruits.
ARSENAL MAKE MOVE FOR €60M WINGER AS CONTRACT TALKS STALL
Arsenal have reportedly made an approach for Sporting CP starlet Joelson Fernandes. Prompting a delay in his contract negotiations with his current club.
Reports emerged recently that Arsenal are interested in Joelson, who made his senior debut for Sporting at the start of the month.
The 17-year-old is under contract until 2022, but Sporting have been trying to extend that to fend off interest from elsewhere. With comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo, Joelson is likely to be in demand.
According to A Bola (via Sport Witness), Sporting have hit a roadblock in negotiations over a new deal for Joelson. The deal has been delayed due to an approach from Arsenal in recent days. Read more…