Despite the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, Premier League clubs continue to be associated with big-money offers for some of the world's best players. However, given the hectic schedule which has been put in place and the uncertainty over when it will be completed, teams should be placing a significant amount of focus on players who are capable of being deployed in more than one position. The crammed fixture lists at the end of the last domestic campaign suggested that squad rotation benefitted clubs in the long run, and this should result in more managers looking for value for money over being led by owners who are also keeping an eye on shirt sales.
Like punters find when taking their time to assess the best bookmakers, managers will find that there are few better options in the current market than Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Twelve months ago, that would have been perceived as a strong statement, but the Arsenal player showed his full capabilities after the resumption. Despite the Gunners now wishing to sell the academy graduate, it is against the wishes of Mikel Arteta who must have been delighted with the performances of the 23-year-old at wing-back during their successful FA Cup run. Adding the successful shackling of Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore while being used in the same role, it is clear that the Englishman could star in the position on a permanent basis. As it stands, only three clubs around Europe are said to be showing interest but even at £25m to £30m, signing Maitland-Niles should be considered a coup for whichever team wins the race for his signature.
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Since it emerged that Valencia are facing all kinds of financial issues, it has been suggested that the La Liga outfit have put the majority of their first-team squad up for sale. While some players are attracting more attention than others, Daniel Wass should be on everyone's radar. Aside from centre-back and centre-forward, the Denmark international is capable of playing in all other positions. At the same time, the 31-year-old regularly contributes in the final third with 11 goals and 29 assists being recorded from 170 La Liga outings for Celta Vigo and Valencia respectively. Wass will be available for less than £10m, and every club should be making a push for this player.
Despite his loyalty to Barcelona, rumours about Sergi Roberto's future will not go away until the Catalan giants offer him a new contract. The Spaniard has not enjoyed his best 12 months at Camp Nou, but he still has a role to play at a big club going forward. Even as a second-choice full-back or a fourth-choice central midfield, he will get games in the current climate. Manchester City have been strongly linked with an approach in the past but depending on whether his preference is representing the biggest club possible or first-team football at a smaller team, the 28-year-old should be a player in demand.
