Ainsley Maitland-Niles has revealed that Mikel Arteta played a key role in keeping him at Arsenal after he was linked with moves to Manchester United and Wolves in the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old was linked with a surprise move to Old Trafford, while Wolves followed up their interest with a £15 million offer which was rejected by the Gunners.
Arteta was keen to keep Maitland-Niles at the club and showed his faith by starting him on the left flank in Arsenal’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea in August.
And Maitland-Niles claims Arteta’s clear stance helped convince him to remain at Arsenal, despite interest from rival Premier League clubs.
‘There was a lot of speculation going around, but I chose to stay at the club I love,’ said Maitland-Niles.
‘I am happy with my decision and I am sure the manager is happy that I stayed as well.
‘It was about the manager having faith in me and him letting me know what’s going on and the situation. He did that and everything was fine in the end.
‘He just installed a lot of confidence in me that I had in myself, but maybe I didn’t know how to bring out. He has helped me do that.
‘I can only thank him along the way and carry on the run of form we have had.’
