Arsenal: Ainsley Maitland-Niles promotion as good as a transfer

Arsenal has promoted both Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson, which actually does work just like a transfer. And here’s why.

Arsenal’s needs this summer are going to be the talk of every town. With Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil both nearing a tipping point, inroads have to be made in terms of winning the title and as such, business this summer is going to be crucial for everyone.

That being said, there are still plenty of moving parts deeper down the list that effect the club as a whole and they are pretty important too. For instance, while the Gunners have an incredibly solid holding midfield pair in Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey, the latter is very injury prone and the former may miss a game here and there for suspensions.

Meaning that the need to identify someone who can not just spot them when needed, but also put the pressure on, is pretty crucial.

The problem here is that when you look at guys like Corentin Tolisso or Isco, they are going to require first team minutes. They most likely won’t be satisfied with having to earn their place because they have already done that.

So luring them is tough and expensive, with the results far from a guarantee. Why upset what is working (Ramsey/Xhaka) to try to appease a new signing? It’s completely unnecessary.

That’s what makes the recent news about the promotion of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson so exciting. They are exactly what is needed in this scenario.

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Especially in Maitland-Niles case. He isn’t going to require any number of playing minutes to be satisfied. He isn’t going to clamor when Ramsey and Xhaka retain their roles. What he will do, however, is strive to improve and learn as he pushes for consideration at those two positions and, when the time comes and the opportunity is there, you will see one passionate young man.

It works just like a transfer along the lines of Mohamed Elneny. Although, with Elneny, while there was a good deal of upside, if it was never accomplished, at least we found a solid rotational option.

With Maitland-Niles, the upside is massive, the passion is huge and he is completely free of charge. This is his chance to prove himself, to enter into the conversation. And in some instances, that can prove far more useful than a new signing anyway.

Just look at Marcus Rashford. He fights for every minute and makes the most of his time on the pitch and the results speak for themselves.

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Maitland-Niles may not save the season next year (that’s not to say he most certainly won’t) but he provides security, excitement and something to look forward to.

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