Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set to meet with Mikel Arteta this afternoon and request a move away from the club, reports David Ornstein of The Athletic.
He was the subject of interest from Everton in the last few days, although Arsenal rejected any interest that came his way and instead opted to keep Maitland-Niles.
That prompted a reaction from the player, though, who posted on social media that he wanted to play “where I’m wanted”.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Have Meeting Over Arsenal Exit
Everton Interest
Everton reportedly submitted a bid for Maitland-Niles on Monday, which was a two-year loan with an option to sign him permanently at the end of that deal.
Although Arsenal entered talks, they eventually decided to reject the bid and keep Maitland-Niles at the club.
The versatile player has not featured much this season, playing 19 minutes of the 5-0 defeat to Manchester City, 29 minutes in the Carabao Cup win against former loan side West Bromwich Albion, and then not coming off the bench in either of the games against Brentford and Chelsea.
This has prompted questions as to why Arsenal want to keep the player, as it appears they are not likely to use him.
The Reactions
Maitland-Niles took to social media yesterday to express his distaste at the bid being rejected by Arsenal. He said on an Instagram story: “All I wanna do is go where I’m wanted and where I’m gonna play.”
Ainsley Maitland-Niles on Instagram this afternoon, amid reports that Everton are trying to sign him…
David Ornstein has reported that Maitland-Niles has made it clear from start of this season that he’d like to play solely as a full-back. pic.twitter.com/djXsRTRSPs
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) August 30, 2021
Arsenal have reportedly taken action and told Maitland-Niles he will not be training with the first team, according to John Cross of The Mirror.
This is despite his ability to play at right-back and Hector Bellerin’s impending move to Real Betis.
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