Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has had his say on Ainsley Maitland-Niles' potential exit.
Earlier in the week, Sky Sports, reported that there had been positive talks between the Gunners and Wolves over a permanent deal for the versatile midfielder, and a transfer could be finalised this week.
However, the same publication reported on Wednesday that Wolves' opening offer of £15m had been rejected.
And that bid came after Maitland-Niles featured in Arsenal's pre-season win over MK Dons - a game in which he started at left-wing back once again.
In addition, the aforementioned report states that the north London outfit are holding out for at least £20m.
Arteta has made no secret that he's a fan of the 22-year-old and spoke about the midfielder's future ahead of this weekend's Community Shield clash with Liverpool on Saturday.
"Yes, we are reading a lot of news about our players which is not bad that other clubs want him but with Ainsley, he's a player that I've said since I joined that I really like," Arteta said.
"The best way to show that is that I have played him in the most important games of the season and he responded really well, so that's where we are with the player."
Then when asked if he would you be open to Maitland-Niles leaving, Arteta responded by saying:
"I am always open to listening to what the player is feeling at every stage of their career and then I can give them my opinion of how I see them, what I expect from them and if we have the right understanding, then we have to move forward together.
"If there is something that doesn't work then we have to assess it with the player and the club and then find the right decision for both of them."
With that said, selling Maitland-Niles would generate some much-needed funds for Arteta.
football.london understands the Gunners want to stiffen their central midfield with the signing of Atletico Madrid's Thomas Partey, as the Ghanaian international seen as the perfect player to add some dynamism to the side.
In addition, a creative midfielder is also on Arteta's radar.
Houssem Aouar and Philippe Coutinho are just two creative midfielders being tipped to join the Gunners this summer, but a loan deal for the latter hinges on new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman's decision, while technical director Edu is reportedly in negotiations with Lyon for Aouar who could cost £45m.
Partey's release clause in his contract at Atletico Madrid is also £45m which means the Gunners have to raise funds in order to bolster their midfield options for the 2020/21 season.
And that's where selling Maitland-Niles to Wolves to £20m could come in handy.
