Arsenal are considering including Ainsley Maitland-Niles in an offer to Wolves for midfielder Ruben Neves, according to reports. The outspoken midfielder, who has made it clear that he wishes to play in the middle of the pitch going forwards rather than at full-back where he’d previously been deployed, has already indicated that he needs to hear from the Arsenal hierarchy upon his return.
Ainsley Maitland Niles said: “I’ve got two years left on my contract, so I’m due to be going back there. Obviously, once I do go back, I need to speak to the manager and see where he sees me, see what ideas he has, and we can move on from there. But I hope I can get some clarity for me, as in the player that he sees me, the role he sees me in, and we can take it from there. The main thing that’s needed is clarity. You need clarity for both parties, or however many parties are involved, you just need clarity. Once that stuff is worked out, everything else will follow from there.”
Equally, Wolves themselves aren’t in a rush to part with Neves. He still has three years remaining on his contract, and was confirmed by club chief Matt Wild recently.
Matt Wild said: “I think in the press or our fans are thinking he’s only signed up to 2023, but in fact he is on contract until 2024. He’s still got another three years, so fans don’t need to worry that he’s going to be going anywhere, or he’s going to be out of contract any time soon. So, yes, he’s still got another three years on his contract.”
