Nick Ware

Tue 31 August 2021 17:30, UK

Everton will not be signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles after the 24-year-old held talks with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, according to Dharmesh Sheth.

Speaking on Sky Sports‘ ‘The Transfer Show’ [17:20, 31/08/21], Sheth said: “I have been speaking to someone quite close to Arsenal.

“They had one offer, we believe it came from Everton yesterday.

“I’m told the option was low, hence why it was rejected out of hand and as a result, Ainsley Maitland-Niles will be remaining at Arsenal.

“I’m also told that following that Instagram post he did hold talks with Arteta.”

Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel has delivered a similar update, writing via his personal Twitter profile: “Ainsley Maitland-Niles has held clear the air talks with Mikel Arteta. He is staying at Arsenal and been assured he is part of Arteta’s plans this season.”

Shame

Maitland-Niles needs to get regular game time this season as he starts to enter the prime years of his career.

So far this season, he has made just one substitute appearance in the Premier League for Arsenal.

He has been ousted by the likes of Cedric Soares at right-back, while he has been overlooked in the midfield positions as well.

Hector Bellerin’s impending move to La Liga outfit Real Betis may give him more chances at full-back, but it still seems like Maitland-Niles could benefit from a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

Thus, despite Everton earmarking the versatile ace for a right-back role, he is destined to remain in north London, at least until January.

In other Everton news, Blues respond as club makes late approach to sign this Goodison ace amid ‘Domino effect’ fears.

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