ARSENAL have reportedly rejected a £15million bid from Wolves for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Sky Sports claims Nuno Espirito Santo is eager to bring the versatile 22-year-old to Molineux this summer.
And the Portuguese tactician launched a £15m offer just one day after Maitland-Niles started in Arsenal’s 4-1 friendly win over MK Dons.
However, the Gunners are said to have turned down the bid.
The two sides apparently remain locked in talks though.
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And Arsenal have told Wolves they will need to up the fee to at least £20m.
Maitland-Niles would be an extremely handy option for the Midlands side due his versatility.
The Englishman’s main position is central midfield but he can also play as a wing-back on either side of a three-man defence.
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Wolves need reinforcements on the flanks with left-sider Jonny Otto out for up to nine months following an anterior cruciate ligament injury picked up against Olympiakos in the Europa League.
Tottenham are also threatening to pinch right-back Matt Doherty in an audacious raid.
And Adama Traore, who usually plays further forward but can operate in the wing-back role, is thought to be a target for both Liverpool and Man City.
Wolves could do with a new central midfielder too after youngster Morgan Gibbs-White joined Swansea on loan despite penning a new three-year contract.
Maitland-Niles played 32 games in all competitions last season and was thought to have a bright future at the Emirates.
But it seems Mikel Arteta is happy to cash in as he already has four wing-backs plus plenty to choose from in the centre of the park.