Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been promoted to the first-team ahead of the new season.

The 19-year-old was selected for this summer’s pre-season tour of Australia and China and looks to be remaining with the senior squad when Arsenal return home later this month, according to latest reports.

It’s a big moment for Maitland-Niles, who is described as a technically-gifted midfielder, having graduated from Hale End academy and being the club’s second-youngest to have featured in the Champions League.

Capable of playing in a variety of positions, it’s likely the England U20 international will provide cover for Hector Bellerin at right-back, with Mathieu Debuchy and Carl Jenkinson expected to be sold.

Maitland-Niles has made 10 appearances for Arsenal in his career, having spent more time in Ipswich Town’s first-team in 2015/16. But he’ll have a chance to prove his worth this season and will be hoping he can continue developing to become a key cog in the side.