Ainsley Maitland-Niles made his first team breakthrough last season
Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles has signed a new long-term contract at the club, reports The Sun. He will wear number 15 rather than 30 next season.
The 20 year old has been at the club since the age of 9 became the Gunners’ second-youngest Champions League debutante in December 2014, aged just 17. He made his Premier League debut 4 days later before joining Ipswich on a season long loan in the following season.
He made a first team breakthrough under Arsene Wenger last season, managing to make 28 appearances in all competitions across the midfield and defense. A versatile operator, he was deployed at left-back, left midfield and central midfield during the past season.
The youngster has also been capped by England at several youth levels, making four appearances for the Under-21s. He also played a key role in the Three Lions’ Under-20 World Cup-winning campaign in 2017, and has captained his country at that age group.
Niles claimed earlier that he felt lucky to be given a chance at a huge club like Arsenal. He said: “I do feel fortunate. I have been given the opportunity and I have to thank everyone who has backed me.
“But I’d like to see more academy players in the Premier League. There are not a lot of youth academy products and English boys in the Premier League.”
He will continue his development under new manager Unai Emery and expected to feature in club’s pre-season friendly matches, where they will face Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
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