Arsenal In 'Advanced Talks' With Wolves For Mikel Arteta's Versatile Player, Report Says

Premier League giants Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal are now in “advanced talks” for the possible transfer of Ainsley Maitland-Niles, a versatile but surplus player in Mike Arteta’s current squad, a new report revealed.

Arsenal has been one of the clubs actively bolstering its squad in the English top-flight this summer. The Gunners earlier added a star to the team after completing the signing of former Chelsea talisman Willian. Now, Arteta’s side is looking to cash in on his surplus players, with Maitland-Niles included in the list.

The Wolves and Arsenal are already progressing in its discussions regarding a four-year deal for Maitland-Niles, with Arteta open to offers for the youngster as part of his plans to raise funds for rebuilding, Sky Sports reported.

Wolves coach Nuno Espírito Santo, who has done a tremendous job managing his squad collectively this past season, is believed to be keen on bringing in reinforcements to Molineux this summer.

After not making the Champions League this year, the Portuguese tactician has figured out that the central midfield and full-back positions were the areas needed to be filled with additional talent. Nuno assumes that the versatile 22-year-old will make a great backup in both positions, the report said.

Despite making 20 Premier League appearances last season and starting in the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, Maitland-Niles’ services might not be needed by the Gunners next season, the report noted. The Gunners are open to entertaining offers of around £20 million ($26 million) for the England Under-21 international.

Though midfielder is still tied-up with Arsenal for another three years, the departure of Maitland-Niles is part of Arteta’s plans as the Gunners boss is looking to generate funds before pursuing his own transfer targets this summer.

Meanwhile, another Arsenal player is also linked to a move away from Emirates Stadium.

As Leicester City star Ben Chilwell’s £50 million ($65.5 million) move to Chelsea nears completion, the Foxes are said to have shortlisted “a number of options” to fill the spot the left-back will leave. Now, Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers is considering Arsenal star Kieran Tierney as a possible replacement for Chilwell.

Tierney and Rodgers have already worked together during the player’s time at Celtic. Some reports suggested that the pair’s past collaboration could intensify the potential transfer deal after Chilwell officially joins the Blues.