Arsenal utility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Maitland-Niles, who is currently on loan at Premier League strugglers Southampton, is out of contract at the Gunners this summer and confirmed with the Athletic that he will leave the club on 1 July.
Arsenal transfer news: Ainsley Maitland-Niles set for free transfer
As reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Maitland-Niles said to The Athletic that he would be happy to stay with the Saints if he was to be made an offer.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles leaves Arsenal as free agent in the summer, he confirms to @TheAthleticFC: “It’s been great journey but it has come to an end now”. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
“Southampton is a great club to be at — if they were to make an offer, I’ll be more than happy to stay”. pic.twitter.com/PKB5t4R3ib
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 24, 2023
Maitland-Niles, who can play at full-back, central-midfield, or on the wing, broke through at Arsenal under Unai Emery in the 2018-2019 season but during Mikel Arteta’s time as manager, Maitland-Niles has been deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal and has been sent out on loan on three separate occasions: to West Bromwich Albion, Serie A side Roma, and Southampton, who picked up a much-needed point in their 3-3 draw with Arsenal on Friday in their battle to survive relegation from the Premier League.
