Wolves still working on Ainsley Maitland-Niles deal

The 22-year-old very much fits the bill as owners Fosun aim to strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, with Maitland-Niles able to play either in midfield or as a wing-back.

Arsenal are thought to value him at around £20million and it has been said that Wolves’ first offer – falling below that mark – has been rejected.

But talks with Maitland-Niles over a move to Molineux are understood to be ongoing as the club aim to bring him in on a long-term deal.

The Gunners academy product played the first half of their friendly win over MK Dons on Tuesday night, at left-wing back.

And while the player is also believed to want to prove himself in the middle of the park, Nuno needs to bolster that area after losing Jonny Castro Otto to a serious knee injury.

The Spaniard had surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee – after limping off early on in the Europa League last-16 win against Olympiacos – recently, and he faces several months on the sidelines.

Maitland-Niles also impressed in that position as Arsenal won the FA Cup earlier this month, beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final at Wembley.

He made 32 appearances across all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s side in 2019/20.

In total, he has played 100 times for the North London club.

Maitland-Niles is yet to gain a senior cap for England but has represented them all through the age groups, while also having a loan at Ipswich – under former Wolves chief Mick McCarthy – in the 2015/16 season.

It has also been suggested Tottenham are interested in Wolves wing-back Matt Doherty.

It is thought no formal offer has been made by Spurs at this stage, though.

Doherty recently celebrated 10 years at Molineux – after joining from Irish side Bohemians for just £75,000.

The 28-year-old stalwart outlined his happiness at Wolves, too, as he said: “It’s been 10 of the best years, really.

“Not 10 more, but let’s see if we can get five or six more.

“You go with the flow and with the times when you see change, you just kind of get on with it.

“I’m just amazed how I’ve managed to survive through all the change – managers, philosophies, owners.

“That fills me with great pride and shows I’m obviously doing something right on the pitch, that makes the managers – who could’ve gone a different way – still think I can play a part and get a game.”

Doherty added: “When you’re playing in a team with this much quality in it, it’s just a joy.”