Arsenal are going to have to sell this summer in order to raise the funds required to sign the players Mikel Arteta wants.
Links to £50million midfielders like Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar highlight how Arteta will need significant funds added to the coffers to enable him to rejig the midfield to suit his desired style of play. To do so, the club may have to sell not only the so called ‘deadwood’ but also some valuable assets.
And with Cedric Soares and Hector Bellerin at the club, the sale of Maitland-Niles is one the club could feasibly make in order to raise in excess of £20million.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles may be allowed to leave Arsenal this summer, with three clubs preparing to bid for him. (@SkySportsNews) pic.twitter.com/vWXeaUQ0CC
— Fresh Arsenal (@Fresh_Arsenal) August 10, 2020
Arsenal are said to rate the wing-back at £20million and that have attracted Wolves and Newcastle, according to Sky Sports. The player is also thought to be pushing for a move, if Arsenal cannot guarantee him regular first-team football.
Tottenham had been linked as well, but they have since denied that they are preparing a bid. Fresh Arsenal understands that Brighton are also interested in Maitland-Niles – so there is no shortage of suitors for the versatile Englishman.
Given the amount of interest, and the player’s recent performances, Arsenal could try raising that asking price to £25million or even £30million and see if such an offer arrives. If it does, then it may make sense for both Arsenal and the player to part ways.
This is certainly one to watch.