CHRIS SUTTON: Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a diamond, Arsenal should hold on to him

Those who watch BT Sport will have heard me name Ainsley Maitland-Niles my man of the match at Wembley.

He was instrumental in Arsenal winning the Community Shield, even his penalty was the epitome of genius after I feared I’d given him the commentator’s death kiss, and his post-match interview was intriguing.

Maitland-Niles was asked about his future with his tie to the Wolves, who just let side Matt Doherty join Tottenham.

Maitland-Niles was impressive in Arsenal’s Community Shield win and the club must keep it

His response – ‘I’m an Arsenal player until they tell me otherwise’ – didn’t sound like someone who is ready to stay.

You may feel that you will be guaranteed better playing time at Molineux. But it’s good to hear that Arsenal are considering a U-turn in the transfer after their performance against Liverpool.

He is such a versatile talent, a diamond, and I think Mikel Arteta trusts him. You don’t start against Liverpool here, or in the FA Cup semi-final and final against Manchester City and Chelsea, if that’s not the case.

The youngster is a diamond and has proven to be versatile and a solid option on the right back.

Gareth Southgate also called up Maitland-Niles, who turned 23 on Saturday, in his England squad, having noticed that players don’t get through easily. Neither Sadio Mane nor Mo Salah were happy with him on the left back, and there is an argument that he would be a better right back than Hector Bellerin.

If I were a decision maker for Arsenal, I would be in no rush to get rid of Maitland-Niles, who still has a three-year contract. As his Wikipedia page says under playing position: ‘Midfielder, winger, winger, winger’. The versatility of this young man is a weapon, as is his rhythm and his way of reading the game.

Arteta would be better off with him than without him.