Done Deal – 5ft 10in Defender Completes Arsenal Transfer

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set to complete a move to the English championship with Ipswich on a season-long loan, as per BBC Radio Suffolk.

Maitland-Niles impressive performances in the Arsenal youth team earned him four first-team appearances for the Gunners, with a Champions league appearance in the 4-1 win against Galatasaray being the notable among them.

The 17-year old midfielder is now set for a move to the Tractor Boys in the Championship, and Ipswich boss, Mick McCarthy was quoted by Daily Star as telling the Sudbury Mercury:“I’m going to speak to him(Maitland-Niles) today and everything is fine, hopefully he will join us today.

 “Ainsley is a good player but I hope the lads we have already got – the likes of Dylan Connolly who was excellent in the U-21s last season – flourish.”, McCarthy concluded.

Squawka reports that Arsene Wenger wants the young winger (Maitland-Niles) to join the 2014-2015 play-off semi-finalist, in order to gain “some regular play time.” The Arsenal manager is known to be an admirer of young talents, and thinks Ainsley, if given enough play time, will definitely fight for a place in the Arsenal first team in future.

Maitland-Niles, who signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in October 2014, made his senior debut against Galatasaray in a Champions League match in December that year. He therefore became the Gunners’ second younsgter to do so after Jack Wilshere.

The fleet-footed 17-year old England youngster also played against Newcastle in the Premier League and also against Hull City in the FA Cup last season.

Ipswich will be hoping Maitland-Niles and other stars of the club will help propel it to a Premier League promotion next season.