Atletico Madrid want to sign Arsenal defender

Atletico Madrid could make an attempt to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal after the 10-week ban for Kieran Trippier for breaching betting rules.

Maitland-Niles was fancied to join Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer, but Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made a U-turn and decided to keep hold of his services.

The Gunners graduate has since made his debut for the England national side, but he continues to struggle to command a regular starting role for the club in the Premier League.

Hence, there has continued to be speculation regarding his future and Sky Sports claims that Atletico could make a bold bid to sign him after the ban levied by the FA on Trippier.

Trippier has revived his career since his move to Diego Simeone's side and he has played every minute of the club's Spanish La Liga and Champions League campaign.

The right-back is now expected to miss at least 13 games because of the international ban and Atletico appear prepared to test the Gunners' resolve with a tempting bid for Maitland-Niles.

The Gunners were reportedly prepared to accept around £20m for Maitland-Niles in the summer before their stance changed. The 23-year-old is currently contracted to the club until June 2023.