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The Nairobian

Ainsley Maitland-Niles set for Sh2.8 billion Wolves transfer as Midlands club win race for Arsenal star

Gossip & Rumours

By Mirror | Aug 25, 2020

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, left, and Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles battle for the ball during the FA Cup semifinal soccer match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley in London, England, Saturday, July 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Childs,Pool)

Ainsley Maitland-Niles looks set for a move to Wolves after it was reported they have agreed a £20m fee with Arsenal to sign the England U21 international.

Maitland-Niles made 32 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions last season, but somewhat surprisingly is being allowed to leave this summer.

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is said to be a big fan of the 22-year-old, who can play in a number of different positions both in defence and midfield.

And according to Sky Sports Maitland-Niles is set to put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Molineux.

Newcastle were also said to be interested in the player, but it is Wolves who have acted quickest in order to secure on of their main targets this summer.

Liverpool's Senegalese striker Sadio Mane (R) vies with Arsenal's English midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles (L) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on July 15, 2020. (Photo by Shaun Botterill / POOL / AFP)

Maitland-Niles came through the academy at Arsenal and spent the 2015-16 campaign on loan at Ipswich before breaking into the first-team at the Emirates.

He made a total of 20 Premier League appearances last season, creating two assists, but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta clearly believes the time has come to move him on, with the player not part of his long-term plans.

Yet as recently as last month Arteta was praising Maitland-Niles for his impact in the FA Cup semi-final win against Manchester City, saying: "He has everything, he has great qualities, I believe in him. I had to give him opportunities and today he took it with both arms.

"He had a really good performance."

The move will be seen as a coup for Wolves, especially given they have lost defender Jonny Otto to a anterior cruciate ligament injury, which is likely to rule him out for between six to nine months.

It remains to be seen when the transfer is officially announced by both clubs, but presuming personal terms are agreed it could be as soon as the next few days.