Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports Football (25/08/21 at 10:30 pm) that whilst Arsenal duo Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Sead Kolasinac are here he will try to ‘give them minutes’ and there ‘some exits planned’.
The Arsenal boss was asked about their futures and stated that their attitudes have been ‘incredible’.
Even though Kolasinac started Arsenal’s 6-0 EFL Cup win against West Brom last night, there have been recent suggestions that he could be heading to Turkey.
Whilst Maitland-Niles is amongst several Arsenal players who hopes to leave the club before Tuesday’s deadline, that’s according to The Athletic.
Given those rumours, and Arteta’s comments after last night’s game, it seems as though the above duo could leave if the right offer is put on the table, as he was specifically asked about the duo.
“We have some exits planned,” said Arteta. “This is speculation. Whilst they are here, we try to treat everybody as good as we can. Give them minutes.
“They had incredible attitudes. The only thing we can get is when we can and award them with minutes.”
Kolasinac started Arsenal’s thumping win, but he is third-choice left-back at the Emirates, so perhaps leaving is the best option for all parties.
As for Maitland-Niles, who came on as a second-half substitute, it just hasn’t worked out for the versatile player, and ironically enough, his loan spell at West Brom last season didn’t help matters.
The Hale-End academy product, who was going to earn his maiden England call this time last season, just needs to get back on the park and put some much-needed minutes into his legs.
Given that he could only make the bench yesterday, it’s clear that he needs to leave for the better of his own future.
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