Arsenal have reportedly decided to sell Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer, with the duo not in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans for the club.
According to Football London, the pair will both be sold following the end of their loan spells, with Bellerin back in Spain flourishing with Real Betis whilst Maitland-Niles joined AS Roma on a short-term deal in the January transfer window.
Both players came through Arsenal’s Hale End academy and were once viewed as crucial parts of the Gunners’ future, however, the pair have seen their development at Arsenal stagger, and Bellerin and Maitland-Niles now look set to leave north London for good.
The arrival of Takehiro Tomiyasu has cemented Arsenal’s right-back spot for years to come, yet with Bellerin playing a key role in Betis’ incredible UEFA Champions League run, the Spaniard will more than likely remain in Seville permanently.
As for Maitland-Niles, the England international has struggled to maintain regular minutes for Roma under Jose Mourinho. Yet despite this, the midfielder should not be short of interest in the summer window.
Multiple Premier League clubs have been noted as interested in signing Maitland-Niles over the years, and with the midfielder’s contract expiring in 2023, Arsenal could be open to selling the versatile talent on the cheap just to get him off the books.
Arsenal right to sell Bellerin and Maitland-Niles this summer
The departures of Bellerin and Maitland-Niles will be emotional events for Arsenal supporters, with the pair both coming through the academy to play over 100 games for the Gunners first-team.
However, sentiment aside, Arsenal and Arteta are making the right decision in allowing the duo to leave this summer. Both Bellerin and Maitland-Niles have outgrown their parent clubs, and the transfer window offers a chance for the pair to find new permanent homes after learning their trade in north London.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
