Ainsley Maitland-Niles has confirmed he'll depart in the summertime. The versatile participant has spent this season on mortgage at however won't be returning to the Emirates subsequent time period.
Maitland-Niles left Arsenal to affix Saints with a view to discover extra common sport time and likewise play in midfield. The 25-year-old has performed simply 22 video games in all competitions for the relegation-threatened aspect, beginning 14.
He got here by way of the academy at Arsenal, first becoming a member of the membership's youth setup on the age of six. He made his first-team debut at 17 in late 2014 below former boss Arsene Wenger.
Maitland-Niles has performed 132 instances for the Gunners, scoring three objectives and registering eight assists. However he has confirmed he'll play for the membership no extra.
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claims Arsenal have determined towards triggering a one-year possibility within the participant's contract and a call to half methods this summer time was mutually agreed some months in the past. Maitland-Niles says he could be open to becoming a member of Southampton on a everlasting deal, regardless of the south coast membership wanting destined to drop to the Championship.
Maitland-Niles mentioned: "It’s been an awesome journey but it surely has come to an finish now (at Arsenal). It’s time for a contemporary begin and to discover a new residence.
"I’m wanting ahead to that however, on the similar time, my head’s not fairly there but and it’s all about what’s taking place now with Southampton. I’m simply absolutely targeted on attempting to assist us keep up and keep optimistic on a day-to-day foundation and win video games.
"When the time will get nearer in the direction of the top of the season, I’ll have one thing else to consider. However proper now, I’m simply targeted on soccer and the duty at hand.
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"Southampton is a superb membership to be at and progress and get some minutes below my belt. After all, in the event that they had been to make a suggestion, I’ll be very happy to remain."
Information on Maitland-Niles' future comes simply days after Arsenal boss spoke in regards to the participant. Final Thursday, forward of the Gunners' match towards Saints, Arteta insisted a call could be made in the summertime.
The Spaniard mentioned: "He was a extremely necessary half [of the 2020 FA Cup final win], and he’s a participant with unbelievable versatility that has performed in many various positions. For various causes, some skilled, some private causes he needed to transfer round in the long run.
"On the finish of the season, we’ll sit down and determine what's the neatest thing for everyone shifting ahead."
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