Ainsley Maitland-Niles, 24, says he is now fully focused on earning regular playing time at Emirates Stadium after previously pushing for an exit.
What did Ainsley Maitland-Niles say?
The England player is now in the past for any push to enter Arsenal, with the versatile midfielder focusing on the future after having previously announced his desire to move on. After spending the second half of last season on loan at West Brom, Ainsley Maitland-Niles said during the summer transfer window that all he wants to do is go where he wants and where he will play. Arsenal declined to authorize the switch, amid links with the likes of Everton, and the England player fell in north London and played a role in 10 appearances in 2021-22.
After being included in the starting XI Arteta’s for a 1-0 win over Watford, Ainsley told reporters about his transfer plans that this is all in the past now. Ainsley just thinks about the future and what lies ahead. It was great to be there today, to get his minutes, and hopefully there will be more. According to Ainsley Maitland-Niles yes he is always happy to be on the field and play, it’s a good feeling. Of course, Ainsley is looking for more minutes, he just needs to keep his head down and keep walking and working hard.
A little about Maitland-Niles
Ainsley is a product of the famous academic gunners system, joining the club for the first time at the age of six. Ainsley Maitland-Niles made his Arsenal debut as a 17-year-old in December 2014 and is currently up to 131 appearances for the Premier League heavyweights. Five caps have been earned with England, as his ability to play in various positions is well used, but Ainsley is eager to put roots in the same club and in the same role. The England player sees himself as a center midfielder but faces stiff competition for engine room seats at Emirates Stadium and only gets a nod against Watford due to Partey’s untimely injury.