Ainsley Maitland-Niles confirms he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season, seeking a fresh start after loan spell at Southampton.

• Ainsley Maitland-Niles confirms he will leave Arsenal at the end of the season.
• The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Southampton and is open to staying at the club if offered.
• Maitland-Niles has been with Arsenal since he was six years old, progressing through the Hale End academy.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Arsenal’s versatile academy product, has officially confirmed his intention to part ways with the club at the end of this season. Arsenal have opted against triggering an option in his contract to extend his deal for a further season.

The 25-year-old is presently on loan at Southampton, where he is seeking more playing time after falling out of favour at the Emirates Stadium.

A storied journey with Arsenal comes to a close

Maitland-Niles’ association with Arsenal dates back to when he was just six years old, having joined the esteemed Hale End academy in 2003.

Progressing through the ranks, he moved up to the under-21s in 2013 and debuted professionally in a Champions League game against Galatasaray in 2014.

Following a loan spell with Ipswich Town, he became a regular in Arsenal’s first team and contributed to their 2020 FA Cup triumph.

Unfortunately, Maitland-Niles has seen his position at Arsenal diminish over recent years, resulting in loan stints at West Brom, Roma, and finally, Southampton.

Since joining the Saints on a season-long loan in September, he has made 23 appearances in various competitions.

His decision to leave Arsenal was mutually agreed upon months ago, according to The Athletic, and he has not been in contact with club officials since pre-season.

Southampton as Maitland-Niles’ possible future

In a conversation with The Athletic, Maitland-Niles reflected on his time at Arsenal and said, “It’s been a great journey but it has come to an end now (at Arsenal).

“It’s time for a fresh start and to find a new home.”

He also expressed his satisfaction with Southampton, stating, “Southampton is a great club to be at and progress and get some minutes under my belt. Of course, if they were to make an offer, I’ll be more than happy to stay.”

Maitland-Niles is fully committed to his current loan spell at Southampton, helping the team maintain their Premier League status.

As the season’s end approaches, he will evaluate his options and decide on his next destination.

Arsenal’s Hale End academy will bid farewell to one of its long-standing players as Maitland-Niles embarks on a new chapter in his career and perhaps one day we will find out why a player stuffed fill of talent wasn’t quite able to make it at the club that was his home for most of his life.