Mikel Arteta blocked Ainsley Maitland-Nile’s move to Barcelona.
The utility player was linked with a move away from the Emirates throughout the summer, and, at one point, seemed like he might join Wolves after the Midlands club made a bid for him.
That was rejected, but that did not stop other clubs enquiring about the 23-year old academy graduate, among them Barcelona.
They were in the market for a right-back, and, in the end, signed Sergino Dest from Ajax instead. That though was only being told by Arsenal that Maitland-Niles was not for sale.
Mikel Arteta has decided that the England player – he gained his first cap as a substitute in England’s Nations League draw with Denmark last month – is an integral part of his plans going forward.
The Spaniard values him for his ability to operate in a number of positions including full-back wing back and midfield. The player himself has previously said he would like to play on the wing!
