Arsenal fans are in meltdown after Wolverhampton Wanderers moved a step closer to completing the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Nuno Espirito Santo wants to add new reinforcements to his squad, who played 59 matches across all competitions as Wolves reached the quarter-final of the Europa League.
Maitland-Niles would offer an option in a number of positions. The 23-year-old is naturally a midfielder but he has excelled at both right wing-back and left wing-back for Arsenal and recently made his 100th appearance for the club.
Wolves are in need of a wing-back with Jonny Castro Otto in the early stages of his recovery from a long-term knee injury. Midfield is another area Wolves could strengthen and Maitland-Niles’ versatility appeals.
Newcastle United have also been chasing the former England under-21 international but according toSky Sports,Wolves are close to winning the race for his signature.
They say Maitland-Niles ispoised to put pen to paper on a four-year contract for a fee of around £20mto become the second arrival of the summer at Molineux after former Aston Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic joined on a free transfer.
But the move isn’t proving popular with Arsenal fans, who feel the youngster still has plenty to offer for Mikel Arteta’s side.
One angry fan on social media said: “Let’s embrace in mediocrity and keep the worse players instead.”
“Sad, sad day,” said another.
A third posted: “The next Serge Gnabry.”
“Arteta wants to keep him,” wrote another supporter.
While a fifth admitted: “This club [is] killing me.”
“Biggest mistake,” said another. “I really love Maitland-Niles, this is wrong on many levels.”
Source: Birminghammail
