Maitland-Niles opens up about his Arsenal future

After previously pushing for an exit, the Gunners midfielder is ready to fight for more game time.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has announced that thoughts of leaving Arsenal are ‘in the past’ as he looks ahead to the future.

The versatile 24-year-old posted a message to his Instagram followers in the final days of the summer transfer window, which read: “All I wanna do is go where I’m wanted and where I’m gonna play”.

It came amid struggles to win favor at the Emirates following a loan spell at West Brom in the second half of last season. Aware of interest from Everton, he tried to push for an exit. However, Arsenal refused to sell him.

But after impressing in Thomas Partey’s absence in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Watford, Maitland-Niles is ready to turn a corner.

“That’s all in the past now,” the Hale End product told reporters about his previous transfer saga.

“I am just thinking about the future and what’s ahead of me. It was great to be out there today, getting my minutes, and hopefully there is more to come.”

Maitland-Niles added: “I’m always happy to be on the pitch and play, it’s a good feeling. Of course, I’m looking for more minutes, I just need to keep my head down and keep going and working hard.”