Three new clubs have joined the race for Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer, with Arsenal undecided on whether to cash in on him.

West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United - Premier League - The Hawthorns Newcastle United's Joe Willock left and West Bromwich Albion's Ainsley Maitland-Niles battle for the ball during the Premier League match at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich. Picture date: Sunday March 7, 2021. Copyright: Nick Potts
Newcastle United’s Joe Willock (left) and West Bromwich Albion’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles battle for the ball during the Premier League match at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich. Picture date: Sunday, March 7, 2021. Copyright: Nick Potts

Currently on loan with West Bromwich Albion, Ainsley Maitland-Niles faces a decision over his future this summer. Arsenal are reportedly considering a sale, and earlier this month some outlets claimed the player himself had resolved to leave.

There are quite a few clubs in the mix if he does move on, with Wolves, Leicester City, and Southampton mentioned in previous reports. But the Mirror claim Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and AS Monaco are all now joining the race as well.

For the time being, there’s no suggestion of any formal contact to sign the player. Palace have ‘shown an interest’, Leeds are ‘watching developments’, and Monaco are just listed as another interested club.

But it certainly seems as if the 23-year-old will have his fair share of suitors if he decides to go, which is only likely to push him towards the door if Arsenal can’t convince him he’ll get chances next season.

Maitland-Niles may also push for a spot in midfield, wherever he ends up. Sam Allardyce claimed this week that this was a key part of the reason he picked West Brom for his January loan.