Arsenal have released former academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles on a free transfer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

An adaptable player, Maitland-Niles can function as a full-back, a wing-back, a central midfielder and as an out-and-out winger. He is an incredibly talented footballer who will be a fantastic acquisition for any club who decides to take a punt on him.

In Romano’s tweet, he wrote: “Arsenal confirms they’ve now released Ainsley Maitland-Niles, available on the market as free agent. Club reports that negotiations are still ongoing with Reiss Nelson who has verbally agreed to sign new deal valid until June 2027 with option for one more season.”

Who is interested in signing former Arsenal academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles?

Currently, there are no clubs lining up to bring Maitland-Niles on board, following his release. The player himself has stated that he would enjoy a move to Southampton, who he played for on loan last season, but the club have yet to approach him.

Previously, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest were linked with the 25-year-old, but nothing has surfaced in recent months.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ career so far

Born in 1997, Maitland-Niles joined the youth academy at Arsenal when he was just six years old. Eleven years later, he signed his first professional contract with the club.

His time at Arsenal was defined by a series of loan spells. His first loan move, in 2015, came when he moved to Ipswich Town – he made 30 appearances for the Tractor Boys that season, scoring a single goal.

He then made his breakthrough into the Arsenal first team – despite this, his playing time at the club was still limited. In total, he made 72 senior team appearances for Arsenal, scoring one goal.

In 2021, he was once again loaned out – this time, to West Bromwich Albion. The following season, he was loaned out to Roma in January 2022, but made just eight appearances during his time there.

Finally, he went out on loan to Southampton. His time with the Saints was ultimately unsuccessful, as they were condemned to relegation without him scoring a single goal. Where will his next destination be?