Arsenal wing-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles was deservedly handed the man of the match award for his outstanding performance in the Community Shield against Liverpool yesterday.
The 23-year-old kept Mo Salah quiet, whilst marauding down up and down the left-wing, helping to secure the Gunners’ second trophy in as many months. Maitland-Niles has, though, been subject to bids from Wolves and is also reportedly interesting Newcastle, and it has led to supporters on Twitter calling on the club to keep the fullback:
We can’t afford to lose him. I’ll be absolutely fuming if we sell him. He’s been brilliant for us and needs to stay.
— George Walsh (@gwalsh2807) August 29, 2020
Keep him at all costs
— ? (@ManLikeChaps87) August 29, 2020
@Wolves take you hands of @MaitlandNiles
— ?⚪ (@vishnun5afc) August 29, 2020
If we lose him, we gone regret it and mans just 23 with soo much potential, keep him @Arsenal
— UG ? (@Yuggiio) August 29, 2020
Keep him
— Chikason (@CHIKA91512989) August 29, 2020
Please stay @MaitlandNiles, extend your contract
— Christopher Abraham (@christopher511) August 29, 2020
@Arsenal it’s a sign, don’t sell him
— Yusuf Ibrahim Abdu (@yusland_90) August 29, 2020
It is a bit of a stranger situation. Head coach Mikel Arteta clearly rates Maitland-Niles and continues to play him regularly. However, it is believed Arsenal are very keen to free up funds for other signings and they think the player’s sale will be needed. It is thought the Gunners will hold out for at least £25m for the wingback, and fans will be hoping that valuation will put off any potential suitors.
