Brighton, Wolves and Newcastle United discover transfer fate in Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles U-turn
The 23-year-old looked set to leave the Emirates this summer but recent events have changed the situation somewhat
Mathew DaviesHead of Football
Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrates after their FA Community Shield win over Liverpool
Arsenal could be set to perform a huge U-turn over Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The 23-year-old appeared set to leave the Emirates this summer, with a disagreement over his position said to be the key sticking point.
Maitland-Niles is keen to play in his favoured central midfield role, but boss Mikel Arteta sees the value in his versatility, deploying him on the flank in a wingback formation.
The Spanish boss has always maintained that he wants to keep the player in north London, however, with Brighton, Newcastle United and Wolves linked with him at various points this summer.
Wolves have reportedly had a £15million bid knocked back, with the Magpies also emerging as recent admirers, but another superb performance for the Gunners in the Community Shield win over Liverpool at Wembley could be a significant turning point in the youngster's future.
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Maitland-Niles said in a TV interview broadcast after the game: "I am an Arsenal player until I am told otherwise. My heart is in the club and whilst I am here I am going to give 100 percent all the time. So that is that."
Maitland-Niles has got three years left on his current deal, but the Mirror report that his recent performances could prompt Arsenal to offer him improved terms to keep him at the club.
Albion boss Graham Potter has more pressing transfer priorities than central midfield at present, with a striker and left-back further up the agenda list at the Amex.