Mikel Arteta 'blocked Ainsley Maitland-Niles move to Barcelona'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta blocked an exit for Ainsley Maitland-Niles amid interest from Barcelona this summer, according to a report.

The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium towards the start of the transfer window as Arsenal looked to raise funds for their top targets.

However, the utility player's performance in the Community Shield against Liverpool seemed to convince the club to keep hold of him.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Arteta played a key role in keeping Maitland-Niles in North London, with Barcelona among those interested in the Englishman.

The Catalan giants were in the market for a new right-back and reportedly enquired about Maitland-Niles before eventually signing Sergino Dest from Ajax.

Maitland-Niles has made six appearances for the Gunners already this season.