Wolverhampton Wanderers 'set to end pursuit of Ainsley Maitland-Niles'

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly conceded that they are now unlikely to sign Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles during this summer's transfer window.

The 23-year-old has been strongly linked with Wolves in recent days and is believed to have been the subject of a £15m offer from Nuno Espirito Santo's team amid suggestions that he could leave the Gunners.

Maitland-Niles put in a strong performance for Arsenal against Liverpool in Saturday's Community Shield, though, and was then handed a call-up into the senior England squad.

According to Sky Sports News, Mikel Arteta's side could offer the defender a new contract, and Wolves now believe that it will be incredibly difficult to sign him in the current window.

Maitland-Niles made 33 appearances for the Gunners during the 2019-20 campaign, largely featuring as a right-back, although he also turned out in central midfield.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have also recently been credited with an interest in the former England Under-21 international.