- Arsenal reportedly hoping to secure long-term contract for Maitland-Niles
- Youngster has shown he can adapt and play different roles
- It seems to have been enough to earn new deal with the Gunners
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Arsenal versatility man Ainsley Maitland-Niles has reportedly done enough to impress the club to earn himself a new long-term contract.
The 20-year-old has now made 27 appearances in all competitions for the senior side since making his debut in the 2014/15 campaign, showing that he can be an important member of the squad with his ability to play in different positions including left-back earlier this season.
In turn, that’s been enough to seemingly convince Arsenal to put new terms on the table, with ESPN reporting that talks are underway and the hope will be that an agreement can be reached between the respective parties.
If that plays out, it will be a huge boost for Maitland-Niles who has been with the club since 2003, as he’ll be desperate to earn himself a long-term stay with the Gunners and continue to try and cement his place in the squad and line-up.
On one hand, it’s always preferable for a player to carve out his natural position and get in the team where he’s comfortable playing. However, such is the competition at the Emirates, Maitland-Niles has had to adapt and show he can play almost anywhere, and that’s a real credit to him.
In fact, it’s arguably a major reason as to why the youngster has remained in north London with Wenger’s side rather than go out on loan elsewhere to gain experience and playing time, and it’s likely to have been key in contract talks starting.
If a deal is struck, it will be down to the player himself to then prove that he was worth the faith and investment from the club.