Ainsley Maitland-Niles could still leave Arsenal before deadline day after he launched an attack on the club on social media.
“All I wanna do is go where I’m wanted and where I’m gonna play @arsenal,” the 24-year-old wrote on Instagram.
Maitland-Niles spent the second half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion but returned to the Emirates in the summer.
On Monday, it emerged that Everton were keen to sign him – also on a temporary basis – but that approach has seemingly been rejected.
The right-back has not started a Premier League game this season and has made just one substitute appearance.
That had attracted Rafael Benitez’s interest after Toffees target Denzel Dumfries – one of the stars of the Netherlands’ Euro 2020 campaign – moved to Inter Milan.
In turn, Arsenal have been linked with Norwich’s Max Aarons and Maitland-Niles’ potential departure could depend on the success of that pursuit.
Mikel Arteta’s reign was brought under even harsher scrutiny following the 5-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday. The glimmers of hope are becoming increasingly sporadic, but among the brightest have been Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe – two academy graduates who have forced their way into the senior team and in the case of the former, even the England set-up.
Those avenues look closed for Maitland-Niles, just as they did for Joe Willock before his move to Newcastle United. Willock impressed for the Magpies on loan, scoring eight goals, but his move was made permanent earlier this month.
In every department, Arsenal have faced cutbacks. In June, the club closed its Women’s Development Programme, affecting hundreds of girls aged between seven and 15. There is less hard evidence regarding the boys’ academy, but with a few exceptions – notably Saka and Smith Rowe – there has been a noticeable decline from a set-up which once nurtured Tony Adams and Andy Cole, more recently Serge Gnabry and Cesc Fabregas.
Eddie Nketiah also faces an uncertain future and could join Crystal Palace before 31 August. Meanwhile, Arteta has resorted to spending big on the likes of Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale, with the trio costing in excess of £100m combined.
“I question myself”, the Gunners boss admitted after another damning performance at the Etihad. It is unclear, of course, just how much authority Arteta exercises over his side’s transfer policy but there is little doubt in the minds of players like Matiland-Niles and Willock that he does not see them as the answer to Arsenal’s problems.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3jvfrjy
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