Ainsley Maitland-Niles dumped from first-team training amid Everton links
Everton and their links with Arsenal defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles looks set to drag all the way to the deadline.
The England international posted a plea to leave on social media yesterday as the Toffees saw their loan-to-buy offer rejected [Paul Joyce].
It has taken another twist this morning, with Maitland-Niles now dumped from first-team training for the Gunners.
John Cross of the Mirror shared the major update on his personal Twitter account this morning.
The journalist then suggests that the future of Maitland-Niles needs resolving quickly as he simply wants to play.
“After his move to Everton was blocked, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been told he won’t be training with the Arsenal first team,” he wrote.
“This one needs resolving, player wants to play.”
Gone?
If Mikel Arteta really wanted Maitland-Niles to stay at the Emirates this summer, he wouldn’t be dumping him from training.
The England international came off the bench in the heavy defeat against Manchester City over the weekend but is yet to start.
What is the need to reject this move for a young, promising player when he clearly isn’t in your plans? Arteta needs to think twice.
The door surely has to be opened given this latest development, and it will be interesting to see if Rafa Benitez looks to take advantage.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are pushing for deadline-busting signing, deal hits last-gasp complications – report
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