It’s been a hectic start to Monday for Arsenal fans. From tracking Gabriel’s flight to the Gunners announcing two players we all thought we’d already signed – and much more.
Whose on the way out? With so many big signings being discussed, it is inevitable that Arsenal will have to sell some players to fund these moves. Arteta and Edu are working with a limited budget, but there are resources at the club that can help generate funds. The first major sale Arsenal look like they will make this summer is Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Wolves are closing in on the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Agreements still need to be finalised on the transfer fee and personal terms, but the deal is on course to be completed this week. (@David_Ornstein) pic.twitter.com/38ADfKEmr8
— Fresh Arsenal (@Fresh_Arsenal) August 24, 2020
The versatile 22-year-old had been linked heavily with moves away for the last couple of months and it now seems that Wolves have won the race to secure his signing, according to Sky Sports.
The report from Sky hints at a price of around £20million, but they don’t specify a figure. Maitland-Niles has performed well as a left or right wing-back for Arsenal, but he has ambitions to play in central midfield.
The Gunners of course still have Hector Bellerin and Cedric Soares as right-back options – with Jordi Osei-Tutu another option. Upon a successful spell on loan at Vfl Bochum, the right-back/right-winger could feature for Arsenal next season if he impresses Mikel in pre-season.
Elsewhere young striker Sam Greenwood looks set to join Leeds. In a deal worth a reported £3million, the 18-year-old appears destined to leave. Sam is a talented young striker, but amongst John-Jules and Balogun, the queue for first-team striker spots is already flooding – and the emergence of Eddie Nketiah will not have helped any of them.
More departures are expected from Arsenal in the coming weeks, with the likes of Rob Holding, Calum Chambers, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi amongst those the club are willing to listen to offers for.