Arsenal receive Ainsley Maitland-Niles inquiry from Crystal Palace

Arsenal are preparing for the European Championships in a different way to supporters, as they prepare to offload a host of players in positions across the pitch. Among them is Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is attracting welcome Premier League interest.

The versatile Hale End graduate has almost been forgotten about, purely in the context of there being very little chance he will be at the club next season. Barely featuring after the early weeks of the season he left on loan with the writing seemingly on the wall for his Arsenal career.

There is definite scope for him to have a future in north London, if he opted to stay as a right-back. Deciding to play under Sam Allardyce at West Brom and rejecting advances from Southampton due to their desires to play him at full-back, it couldn’t be clearer what his decision is.

As Arsenal pursue replacements in central midfield, Maitland-Niles’ name has cropped up as a potential makeweight in a deal for Ruben Neves. Valued at upwards of £35m, any way Arteta’s side can haggle that fee down would be welcome so Wolves’ previous interest in the 23-year-old was something to be explored.

Arsenal receive Ainsley Maitland-Niles inquiry from Crystal Palace as Arteta prepares for summer transfer window sale

New developments suggest that the interest in Maitland-Niles from Wolves was driven by their former manager, Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese tactician left his role at the club at the end of last season and until recently appeared set to take over over the vacant managerial post at Crystal Palace.

That may well have encouraged the Eagles, who have been closely monitoring Maitland-Niles’ situation and have made enquiries about his availability. Santo no longer being appointed hasn’t changed Palace’s interest, however, with football.london’s Chris Wheatley confirming the club’s stance.

Looking across the Premier League, without delving too deep behind the scenes, a move to Selhurst Park would suit Maitland-Niles. Whoever the incoming manager may be will be on the hunt for versatile options, as Palace are prepared for a mass exodus with no less than 14 first team players having their contracts expire in the summer.

An overhaul of the squad with so many players in need of signing, those who can play multiple positions will be high up on the list.

Elsewhere across the division other names have been mentioned, including Southampton, Leeds, Wolves and even Manchester United.