United were close to reaching an agreement with the Gunners for the England international, who can play in either full-back positions or in midfield.
It was reported that "the deal and paperwork [was] 80 per cent done", with Maitland-Niles — who was on the brink of a Wolves transfer earlier in the summer — valued at around £20million.
But United sources have told MEN Sport there is nothing in the rumours. Alex Telles of FC Porto is understood to be United's main target in terms of full-backs, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to bring in as many as three players before Monday's transfer deadline (October 5th).
Jadon Sancho is United's priority target, with the club still to reach an agreement with Borussia Dortmund over the 20-year-old.
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