Arsenal supporters have been reacting to a Sky Sports report that has claimed Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a transfer target for Atletico Madrid.
Supposedly the Spanish side have been monitoring the star’s progress for the past 12 months, and with Kieran Trippier being hit with a 10-week ban, they could now spring into action.
Trippier has been key for Diego Simeone, and the Argentine needs cover for the England international – and Maitland-Niles, theoretically, would suit Atleti’s system.
It could be that Arsenal are opposed to selling him though, with the 23-year-old having looked impressive in recent times.
Maitland-Niles is one of few players to have come in for credit from fans in what’s been a difficult season so far.
Quite a few people have been calling for him to get a run of games in the starting XI ahead of Hector Bellerin.
Maitland-Niles can also offer cover in central midfield, which is his natural position.
One wonders if Maitland-Niles will still be an Arsenal player beyond January, with Wolves having tried and failed to sign him the summer.
The £35,000-a-week star (Spotrac) is clearly a talent, and the fact he doesn’t currently have starter status may well see Atleti and others come calling.
On social media, a number of Arsenal fans weren’t too welcoming of Atletico’s reported interest:
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
