Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Arsenal duo Rob Holding and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The Magpies are closing in on a season-long loan for Rob Holding, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic. However, Arsenal are reluctant to include an option for a permanent deal. Mikel Arteta still believes Holding has a future with the club.
Whereas, Newcastle are interested in buying Maitland-Niles, but have been put off by his £25 million price-tag. The 23-year-old, who is wanting regular first-team football, is still part of Mikel Arteta’s plans this season but a starting spot remains unlikely.
Rob Holding and Ainsley Maitland-Niles Both Wanted By Newcastle United
Arsenal Duo Seem to Have a Future at the Emirates
The two Newcastle United targets started against Liverpool yesterday in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory. This means that the pair are still highly regarded at Arsenal and are part of Arteta’s plans for the new season.
Maitland-Niles, in particular, was heavily involved in Arsenal’s 2019/20 campaign. He made 20 Premier League appearances and played an integral part in Arsenal’s FA Cup win.
Rob Holding also made 18 appearances in all competitions, with eight out of them coming in the Premier League. However, Holding became more of a regular starter post-lockdown. The 24-year-old appeared six times after the season resumed and seemingly benefited from Arteta’s tactical change of altering to three at the back.
Arsenal Reject Wolverhampton Wanderers Bid for Maitland-Niles
Newcastle are not the only club interested in Maitland-Niles. Arsenal rejected a £15 million bid for the 23-year-old earlier in the week as Wolves fell short of Arsenal’s asking price.
Mikel Arteta has outlined how he would like to have two players competing for each position in his squad. By losing someone as versatile as Maitland-Niles, the Arsenal boss may have to look for replacements to fill the void left behind by the Englishman.
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