According to recent reports, Crystal Palace – as well as Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Fulham – are interested in the summer signing of Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The report by The Sun states that Maitland-Niles is being ‘sacrificed’ by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, in order for the Spaniard to raise funds to ‘complete an overhaul of his squad’.
The Gunners have reportedly set a £30 million asking price for the versatile full-back, however, they are aware they may have to settle for as little as £20 million due to the effects of the global pandemic on the finances of football clubs.
It is also said that the Gunners would not be selling the 22-year-old if they did not need to raise money for transfers, with Tottenham, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Fulham all keen to take advantage of the club’s need of a cash injection.
Currently valued by Transfermarkt at £13.05 million, Maitland-Niles has played 100 games for the club he has been at since he was a child, scoring three goals and providing five assists along the way.
TIF Thoughts…
One of Maitland-Niles’ strengths is in his versatility, with the player, who has often been deployed as a right-back of late, also being able to operate across the midfield.
This could be what has attracted Crystal Palace to the player, in addition to the suggestion that the south London side are looking to lower their squad’s average age by signing younger players over the summer transfer window.
Would you be happy to see Palace make a move for Maitland-Niles this summer?
Yes
No
In any case, if the reports are to be believed, Palace will have their work cut out in securing the signing of Maitland-Niles, as plenty of teams appear to be keen on the youngster.