Transfer insider Dean Jones has been speaking on the latest edition of Touchline Talk to discuss potential summer switches.
One name which was on his list of discussion was Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Should Arsenal allow Maitland-Niles to leave this summer?
Yes
No
The 23-year-old midfielder spent the second half of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign out on loan at West Bromwich Albion.
Despite playing a total of 26 games in the Premier League, the Englishman was unable to get his name on the scoresheet and only provided one assist (via Transfermarkt).
The midfielder has revealed it may be time to move on from Arsenal this summer if Mikel Arteta is unable to provide him with any guarantees of consistent football.
Discussing where the 23-year-old’s future lies with the Gunners, Jones had the following to say on the matter.
“He knows that if he’s made available, there’s going to be plenty of clubs that will be happy to sign him. Most people I speak to expect him to be made available. To be honest, I think he will be allowed to leave the club.”
TIF Thoughts on Maitland-Niles’ future…
Even though we was unable to help save Sam Allardyce’s Baggies from relegation, Maitland-Niles got a taste of consistent first-team football at The Hawthorns.
Having experienced regular football with the Baggies, it is apparent the midfielder does not want to return to Arsenal as anything less than a first-team regular.
However, we do not think Maitland-Niles has shown enough in terms of goals and assists to make a strong case for a regular starting place in the Gunners’ midfield.
In other news: ‘I’m told’ – Journalist shares ‘concern’ about Edu and Arteta at Arsenal