Tottenham interested in shock move for Arsenal youngster

Tottenham have emerged as surprise suitors for versatile Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, claims The Sun.

Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for the 22-year-old this summer in a bid to top up Mikel Arteta's transfer funds.

The Spaniard wants to keep Maitland-Niles but accepts sales need to happen in order to increase his chances of landing top transfer targets.

Maitland-Niles worked his way into favour under Arteta towards the end of their 2019/20 campaign, even starting their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.

With Arsenal ready to listen to offers, their north London rivals are interested in a surprise swoop.

Tottenham are on the verge of signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton and Maitland-Niles' versatility is appealing to manager Jose Mourinho.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal would be willing to sell Maitland-Niles to their neighbourhood rivals but money talks, especially in today's financial climate.

Maitland-Niles ended the 2019/20 season with 15 Premier League starts and a further five appearances as a substitute. He averaged more tackles per game (2.1) than any other player at the club.