Arsenal: 3 curveball sales to raise some cash

2. Ainsley Maitland-Niles

While Xhaka was ever-present throughout Arteta’s tenure, Ainsley Maitland-Niles dropped off a cliff halfway through. The central midfielder was superb when filling in at right-back, suiting the inverted role that Arteta used beautifully. But as soon as Hector Bellerin returned to fitness, Maitland-Niles vanished from the team, so much so that centre-back Sokratis clunkily filled in at right-back when Bellerin was rested.

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Maitland-Niles has always claimed that he is a midfielder or even winger. But his best performances have largely come at full-back, and especially under Arteta at right-back. Only turning 23 this summer and with an intriguing skill set that features terrific athleticism, excellent technical ability, and a calm, composed manner in possession, there was still hope that Maitland-Niles could make something of himself at Arsenal.

There is an impasse that must be solved: either Arteta must commit to playing Maitland-Niles in midfield, as he wants to play, and provide him with an opportunity to earn playing time there, or Maitland-Niles must cede his own desires and admit that he is a better fit at full-back.

We all know which side Arsenal will fall on. Arteta is the chief. It is his way or the highway. It was expected that Maitland-Niles would get one more season to prove himself, but as he increasingly sits on the bench or outside the matchday squad entirely, despite his undoubted talent and potential, Arsenal might be motivated to sell.