by Nia Griffiths

17-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles looks set to be going out on loan to Championship side Ipswich Town next season.

The midfielder, who featured three times for the first team last season, joined Arsenal at the age of nine and has never played anywhere else, on loan or otherwise.

Last season, the youngster played for the under-21s 29 times, slotting home two goals and nabbing one assist. He’s now looking to get the chance to play regularly.

Although it’s not definite just yet that he’ll be joining Mick McCarthy’s team, it would be a fantastic opportunity. Numerous players have benefited from loan deals in the Championship and, as a pacey attacking midfielder, Arsene Wenger will be eager for him to gain some experience so he can really see what the player can do.

If Maitland-Niles is already being considered for a loan move to the Championship at the tender age of 17, it’s probably fair to say that he’s already impressed the manager.