According to a recent report by the Evening Standard, Arsenal full-back Ainsley Maitland-Niles is subject of Brighton and Hove Albion interest ahead of the summer transfer window. In an interview last week, the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hinted that he wanted the English talent to stay at the Emirates Stadium when he said (via the Evening Standard),
“He’s a player who can play in many different positions, we have discussed the things in my opinion that he can improve or adapt to his game because he has incredible quality.
“He has every quality that you need to be a football player to play the highest level and he just needs to do it in a little bit more of a consistent way, but he is someone who can adapt to any position as well.”
Maitland-Niles Inconsistent Season At The English Capital
The 22-year-old has endured a frustrating season at North London after struggling to find consistency with his performances on the field. Despite his drop in form, he has been a useful squad player for Arsenal over the past ten months. Maitland-Niles has featured in 31 matches for the London outfit this term, registering one goal and two assists across all competitions which highlights his shortcomings going forward.
The London-born player has shown a few signs of encouragement based on his average of 1.9 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and 0.8 dribbles per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League this season (stats via whoscored). The versatile youngster has also represented England at various youth levels and could be destined to have a very bright future for both club and country in the years to come.
What Does The English Speedster Offer On The Pitch?
Maitland-Niles can his use electric pace and agility to make some driving runs with the ball out on the wide areas. He is primarily a right-back, but can also fill in as an advanced winger down the right flank or play as a central midfielder if required. His quickness, coupled with his versatility, make the English player a valuable asset in Arteta’s squad.
Should The Gunners Cash In On Maitland-Niles This Summer?
Maybe a summer switch to the American Express Community Stadium could offer Maitland-Niles a chance to play regularly which might give him some confidence to take his game to the next level. However, Arteta cannot afford to lose him without bringing in a capable replacement which won’t be easy considering how versatile the English starlet has proven himself to be during his rise at Arsenal.
Maitland-Niles’ current contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in the summer of 2023, so the Gunners will be under no pressure to sell him at the end of the season. Arteta will be better off retaining his services for the time being and putting his faith on him to develop into a top star in the Premier League over the next few seasons.
