Kevin Campbell has claimed that Arsenal have ‘no time to wait’ for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to sort himself out at the club, as he told the Highbury Squad.
The former striker added that Arsenal now have ‘winners’ in their team and will be looking to steam ahead in their quest to secure Champions League football.
Maitland-Niles has struggled under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship, including trying to find a place for himself in the team.
At 24, questions are still being asked as to whether he is a midfielder, wide player or a fullback, and in truth, he wouldn’t be a starter in any of those positions right now for Arsenal.
Either way, Campbell had the following message about the Hale-End star and his future in north London ahead of the new Premier League season.
“Remember we said Maitland-Niles could do a job,” said Campbell. “He’s a hybrid player, and you know what, he could probably still do a good job if his head is in the right spot.
“But when we are starting to bring in players that are winners, then we haven’t got time to wait if Maitland-Niles’ head is in the right place. When you are at Arsenal, your brain has to be in the right place now. That’s the difference.”
ARSENAL WILLING TO SELL MAITLAND-NILES
The five-cap England player has been loaned out to West Brom and Roma in recent times, but in truth, he hasn’t been able to make his mark at any of those clubs.
He has been deployed in midfield during those times, but still not impressed to the point that either of those teams wanted him back.
And with 12 months remaining on Maitland-Niles’ contract, this is the crunch time, where he is either sold or signs a new deal at his boyhood club.
Newly-promoted Nottingham Forest have expressed an interest in signing the player, with Arsenal willing to sell – moving away from the Emirates would perhaps be a wise choice.
Arsenal are playing in Europe next term, so Arteta does need an extended squad and that might just result in him staying on board, but if he wants regular football, then he needs to leave.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
