Ambitious price revealed as Arsenal prepare to offload unwanted duo

Eddie Nketiah, Alexandre Lacazette Arsenal substitution

Reports claim Arsenal are willing to sell Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Eddie Nketiah this summer but their price tag might frighten many interested suitors.

Both players have been on the Gunners books for some time. But it seems as though the duo are deemed surplus to requirements and could be heading out of the Emirates. Maitland-Niles, 23, came up through the club’s youth set-up.

Having made his debut in 2014, the versatile player’s game time steadily increased over the seasons. He made 15 Premier League starts among 20 appearances in 2019-2020.

Able to play at right-back or in midfield, he enjoyed 32 outings in all competitions. But, having been marginalised this term with five starts, he was sent out on loan to West Brom on February 1.

The former Ipswich loan star has enjoyed himself at the Hawthorns and impressed during 10 top-flight starts. That has caused a number of Premier League clubs to take note, with a view to a swoop in the off-season.

And it appears as though the north Londoners may be open to offers. That is, as long as the offer is at least £20m, according to The Sun.

The Baggies are said to be keen to keep him on a permanent basis. But, with relegation looming, he may be too pricey for the West Midlanders.

Capped five times by England, Maitland-Niles needs regular first-team football. It could therefore be a busy summer for his agent if Arsenal do decide to let him go.

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Avenues closing for Nketiah

Nketiah has been patiently waiting for his chance this season, sitting on the bench 21 times for Mikel Arteta’s side. And he took advantage of Alexandre Lacazette’s hamstring injury against Fulham last week.

The 21-year-old came off the bench to score a 97th-minute equaliser. But he has started just four league games this season and Lacazette’s return will mean a spot back on the bench.

He did get the nod against Everton on Friday but was unable to prevent the Gunners losing 1-0. Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang will also be ahead of him once the Gabon man recovers from malaria.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles TEAMtalk

He will fall out of contract at the end of next season and so the Emirates outfit could cash in this summer. They are reportedly looking for a fee in the region of £20m.

That may be ambitious as Nketiah is still relatively unproven at the top level. However, he has won 17 England Under-21 caps and scored 16 goals.

Replicating that success at club level is the next step in his career.

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