Arteta launches staunch defence of Arsenal's transfer policy
Everton are set to re-open talks with Arsenal over the possible transfer of Ainsley Maitland-Niles in January, according to reports. The versatile midfielder sensationally went public with his desire to leave the Gunners during the summer, with the Toffees apparently seriously interested.
A transfer never materialised and Maitland-Niles will spend at least the next three months at the Emirates Stadium.
The 24-year-old was keen to leave Arsenal over the summer having impressed on loan at West Brom in the second half of last season.
The Baggies were relegated but Maitland-Niles was still one of their best players as they unsuccessfully attempted to avoid the drop.
He has since returned to Arsenal where he is still considered a squad player. Boss Mikel Arteta has handed him just 19 Premier League minutes this season, despite the club’s woeful start to the campaign.
“All I want to do is go where I’m wanted & where I’m going to play @Arsenal,” Maitland-Niles wrote on Instagram.
Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles is reportedly an Everton transfer target for the January window (Image: GETTY)
Arteta and technical director Edu Gaspar reportedly held talks with the player following the post, amid interest from Everton.
And the Merseyside outfit are set to reignite their attempts to sign Maitland-Niles when the transfer window reopens in January, according to ESPN.
The Mirror reported on transfer deadline day that Maitland-Niles was told to train away from the first team but the situation has now been resolved.
“Any private conversation with players, what we believe the role they have in the team, is always resolved privately. That one is resolved,” Arteta said on Thursday.
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The Spaniard believes that the club’s results will improve when he has a full squad available.
“I'm really looking forward to having everybody available and to try and start the season the way we want. We don't want to use any excuses,” the 39-year-old said.
“We know how difficult the start was with injuries and covid issues and extremely difficult games we had to play.
“We have to reset now, get everybody back on track and start winning games which is what we have to do.”