Arsenal: 3 players to sell now or invest in

2. Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Ainsley Maitland-Niles proved his potential in the first few matches of Mikel Arteta’s tenure. He was superd as a stand-in right-back and showed signs of finally maturing into a regular first-team starter. But then, as soon as Hector Bellerin returned to fitness, Arsenal signed a temporary reserve right-back in Cedric, demoted Maitland-Niles to the reserves, and have even played cumbersome centre-half Sokratis in his place.

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Something must give. Either Maitland-Niles follows Arteta’s instruction, works hard in training, and forces his way back into the Spaniard’s thinking, thus saving his role in the squad next season as a versatile depth piece who can play in a variety of positions. Or he continues in this downwards spiral such that he is unused and unwanted come the summer.

If the former, which is what his talent is capable of, Maitland-Niles should be invested in heavily next season, perhaps even entrusted with more than just the vague back-up role he has been given in recent years, should his performances merit such standing.

If the latter, it is time to sell. He will have three years left on his contract, will turn 23 in August, a prime age to offload a player, and is English. Another season sat in the reserves will only see his value depreciate. But if Arsenal are ruthless, they could still sell high on Maitland-Niles’ versatility and potential, something that they should certainly consider if Arteta does not see the midfielder as a part of his plans.