Arsenal should NOT sell Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Arsenal are set to sell a number of players within their squad to boost their funds for purchasing new players in the transfer window.

And according to a report in the Mirror Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been told he’s been put on the transfer list by the club.

Ainsley’s sale would bring in a fee of up to £30m given his academy status, age and versatility, the fees would undoubtedly boost Arsenal’s budget significantly.

But is selling Maitland-Niles justifiable? He has proven to be a crucial player for Arsenal ever since his promotion from the academy.

The 22-year-old Englishman has played several positions for the Gunners, full-back central midfield, wing-back and on the wings.

Ainsley excelled in semi-final and the final of the FA Cup, playing as a left wing-back and is a player that Mikel Arteta rates however, financial considerations mean the club will have to listen to offers for him.

Utility player AMN is up for sell

Maitland-Niles made his 100th Arsenal appearance in the 2-1 win over Chelsea in the FA cup final on Saturday, and his versatility should be seen as useful for the Gunners in seasons to come, but the need to raise funds is driving this decision which is a real shame.

Losing a player like AMN is like losing 2 or 3 players at the same time, the Gunners should consider selling other players to create funds for new signings.

Arsenal have a bunch of old or average players that can be used as makeweight, while AMN has the potential to grow and his best years are ahead of him. Arsenal must keep hold of him at all costs.