Midfielder could leave Arsenal this summer [Opinion] – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has an uncertain future at Arsenal this summer. The 23-year-old has struggled for playing time in North London and spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, but it’s unlikely his performances have convinced Mikel Arteta that he’s worth keeping.
Despite making his senior debut at Arsenal in 2014/15, Maitland-Niles has never managed to hold down a starting place for a lengthy period. He’s been used at full-back, in midfield and out wide under past managers despite his insistence that he’s better in a central role.
The 23-year-old believed in himself so much that he chose to join West Brom on loan over Southampton, Newcastle United and Leicester City last season as they promised him opportunities in a central role.
But it’s hard to see him getting a look-in at Arsenal, even though Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira could leave, because Maitland-Niles has competition from Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and the returning Joe Willock who impressed on loan at Newcastle.
Arsenal are interested in signing Ruben Neves from Wolverhampton Wanderers too, so he would push Maitland-Niles further down the pecking order if signed.
SL View
Despite Arsenal underachieving last season, they have better wide-men in Buyako Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe and Willian, while also having better fullbacks in Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin.
Arsenal viewed Maitland-Niles as a secondary option at left-back and right-back last season and were happy to loan him out in January, so it’s clear they don’t see him as pivotal to their future success.
Stats from Transfermarkt.
Go to Source
Author:Crippy Cooke