Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles has returned to the club after spending half-season on loan at AS Roma. The 25-year-old is a Hale End academy graduate was sought by Jose Mourinho who used him mainly in central midfield during his short spell in the Italian capital.
Maitland-Niles has been a fringe player under Mikel Arteta but he has been used in various positions such as left-back, right-back, and majorly central midfield. However, the English player sees himself more as a midfielder than as a wide defender.
The Arsenal star was instrumental in Mikel Arteta’s FA Cup success against Chelsea in 2020. However, he has fallen out of favour and matters escalated when he declared he just wanted to play football anywhere else. This sparked a huge outcry amongst Arsenal supporters and the coaching crew.
The midfielder was able to get some regular minutes during his time at Roma and Mourinho said he will be missed at the club. Returning to Arsenal will be a talking point as many doubt that Maitland-Niles has a place in the current squad. Mo Elneny has signed a one-year contract at the club and the 30-year-old has had a resurgence in his Arsenal career and he is a big part of Arteta’s plans for next season.
Thomas Partey is another central midfielder and so is Granit Xhaka and these players have been regulars under the Spanish tactician. Belgian ace Albert Lokonga has struggled to pin down a starting slot in the XI and the newbie is unhappy about his sparse minutes on the pitch.
Many fans suggest that Maitland-Niles exit the club and go where he will be a regular player. Rumours have come from Southampton, Brentford, and Leeds United, with all three PL clubs set to make enquiries about AMN’s availability this summer.
The England man will consider his options and possibly weigh in on a move if his demands are met. Salary is not going to be an issue for any of the listed teams but it remains to be seen if Maitland-Niles will choose Arsenal over other possible destinations.
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