Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be the first player to be sold by Mikel Arteta. According to the Daily Star, the Spaniard has transfer-listed the 22-year-old.
The boss is said to be unhappy with the midfielder-turned-right-back, who was late for training on several occasions.
The Englishman has three years left on his deal so the Gunners may expect a good fee in return for his signature. However, it is expected that the transfer prices will drop in the post-pandemic market. Transfermarkt values Ainsley at £13m.
In March, it was reported that AC Milan and Inter Milan were interested in the 22-year-old's services.
While the Daily Star is not really a credible source, they might be spot on as Arteta sent a warning to AMN in early March, days before the pandemic put the football in England on half.
While Maitland-Niles and Bellerin were the only available right-backs in February and early March, the 38-year-old opted to use Sokratis as a back-up to the Spanish defender on several occasions.
Here's how the situation on the right flank of the Gunners defence looks like:
Hector Bellerin has so far failed to regain his pre-injury pace and while he's Arsenal through and through, he has to work on improving the defensive side on his game to make up for the lost athletic qualities.
Cedric Soares, who was brought on in January on loan from Southampton, can play on both flanks. However, we have not seen him in action for the Gunners yet.
Calum Chambers is currently sidelined and is not expected to be available until next season.
Maitland-Niles has been mainly warming the bench under Arteta.
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