By Oyinlola Awonuga (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in Arsenal’s utility player and Emirates FA Cup winner, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Maitland-Niles, 22, is being sacrificed by boss Mikel Arteta to raise money to complete an overhaul of his squad ahead of next season.
And within days of being put on the market, every Premier League club in London except Chelsea has made it known they could be keen to give him a new home.
They include Spurs, where boss Jose Mourinho is having to be creative with his own rebuilding plans this summer.
Maitland-Niles’ ability to perform at a high level in a number of midfield and defence positions has made him an attractive option for several teams.
Arsenal are hoping to get £30million for the England Under-21 star, who they would have liked to have kept if they did not need the funds.
But they may have to settle for £20m, with all clubs feeling the pinch.
Other London clubs interested in Maitland-Niles are West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham.
The Arsenal academy product hinted early in the season he preferred playing in central midfield than at the back.
But he has since stressed he is happy to play anywhere.
And Maitland-Niles played the whole game as the Gunners rounded off the campaign with a 2-1 FA Cup final comeback win over Chelsea.
