OFFICIAL: Arsenal youngster Maitland-Niles signs contract extension

Maitland-Niles has emerged as a key player for Arsenal in reason years, mainly thanks to his immense versatility which has seen him deployed in a plethora of positions including left-back, right-back, central midfield and out wide.

A product of the Gunners' youth academy since joining at the age of 9, Maitland has progressed through the ranks at the Emirates and made 28 appearances for the team last season. It has also been announced that he will wear the number 15 shirt, vacated by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain last summer.

Having been a part of England's U20 World Cup-winning team, and having recently progressed into the U21 team, it seems as though Maitalnd-Niles will be establishing himself in the years to come for club and country.

The youngster was understndably delighted by the deal, telling 'Arsenal Player': “It feels fantastic knowing that I’m going to be a part of the squad, and a big part of the squad. It means a lot with the new head coach coming in and Arsenal tying me down [with a new contract]. I’m very pleased.

“We [Maitland-Niles and Unai Emery] had a little meeting. He said that he wants all of his players to work hard and I’m no stranger to doing that. It will be second nature to me.

“I think [the high-pressing game] suits me a lot, too. I’ve got a lot of pace to give to the team, pressing up high and winning the ball back as soon as possible is a major factor in football.”

 

12 June 2018