Arsenal utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be sold this summer in a bid to fund a new contract for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gunners value the Hale End Academy graduate at around £20m after making his first team debut in a Champions League match at Galatasary in December 2014 as a raw 17-year-old. 

Maitland-Niles then spent the following season on loan at Ipswich Town before returning to the Emirates to stake a claim in the first team under Arsene Wenger, making 28 appearances in total before putting pen to paper to a long term deal.

However, while Maitland-Niles prefers a slot on the right-hand side of midfield the 22-year-old suffered from being played in a number of positions under Wenger including right-back, as well as left-back in Unai Emery’s first match in charge – which saw him break his leg.

The versatile Maitland-Niles recovered to claim a regular spot at right-back following Hector Bellerin’s long-term injury but his progress has stalled.

With new boss Mikel Arteta yet to be impressed by the Goodmayes-born defender, a move could suit both parties – if the price is right.

Arteta would then use the cash to bolster a new deal to club captain Aubameyang.

Contract issues with the former Borussia Dortmund striker have rumbled on for some time as the clock ticks down on his deal, which is due to expire next summer.

Arteta’s main priority is to convince Aubameyang, who has scored 17 goals this season, to sign a new deal with Arsenal ahead of interest from La Liga suitors Barcelona.

The Gunners head coach is also set to hold summit talks with Aubameyang’s friend and strike partner Alex Lacazette to thrash out a deal in a bid to avoid losing the pair this summer.