Arteta had appeared to deem Maitland-Niles surplus to requirements but the player’s end-of-season form, where he featured in the Gunners’ FA Cup semi-final win against Manchester City, convinced the Spaniard that he had a future at the North London club.
The former Man City assistant coach made this point to Arsenal hierarchy, but the club is under pressure to raise cash this summer and have overruled his decision by putting Maitland-Niles up for sale.
Arteta is believed to have also made the case that Maitland-Niles could prove crucial for Arsenal’s Europa League campaign next season.
However, Arsenal chiefs feel they can raise as much as £20million from selling Maitland-Niles, and they fear that his value will fall if he stays at Emirates for another 12 months.
Maitland-Niles has also drawn the interest of Everton and Brighton.
The England youngster can play as a midfielder, winger and right-back
