OFFICIAL: Maitland-Niles And Willock Sent Out On Loan From Arsenal

Arsenal have been successful in sending two of their academy products out on loan this January.

On transfer deadline day, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion swept up Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles from the Emirates.

Maitland-Niles has 121 senior appearances under his belt for Arsenal but he could hardly get a look in this season. When brought on, he did not impress much and Mikel Arteta was willing to let him leave.

“Ainsley is a very talented player and we are proud of his hard work and development with us,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “This decision to go on loan to West Bromwich Albion for the rest of this season is to support Ainsley and his growth further.

“He will be working at a very good club in the Premier League and we all wish him the best of luck during his time at the Hawthorns.”

Willock did make some impressive cameos in the Europa League but everyone can tell the need for him to develop. The midfielder is versatile with an instinct to score goals. Sending him off to Newcastle will only do him a world of good.

“Joe is a young player with great ability who is progressing very well and we are happy with his continued development,” Arteta said of the England Under-21 international.

“At this moment in his career, Joe needs to be playing regularly. At Newcastle United, he is going to a very good club with a top quality manager and staff.”