Arsenal midfielder, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, will spend the 2015/16 campaign on loan at Ipswich Town, it has been confirmed.
At just 18 years of age Maitland-Niles has already made four substitute appearances for the first team, after he signed professional terms with the club a year ago.
And after featuring heavily for the Under-21’s side this season, the England youth international will head up North to spend a full season with the Championship team.
Whilst he plays primarily in the central midfield role, the teenager is also raring to go whilst playing as a forward, and it’s that determination he spoke of whilst talking to the official Ipswich Town website;
Arsenal want me to get a bit of experience under my belt and I’m happy to do that. I’m still young and there’s plenty of time for me to develop.
The Championship is a tough league but one I feel ready to perform in, the lads have really made me feel welcome here, they are wonderful.
According to reports, the loan deal doesn’t feature a ‘recall’ clause, where the player can be brought back early if required.
However, Arsene Wenger will be keen for Maitland-Niles to experience some regular first team football, and his involvement with a positive set-up that Ipswich possess is ideal for his development, physically and mentally.
Wenger utilised the midfielder during the 4-1 victory over Galatassary, where he became the second youngest player to feature in the Champions League.
The Arsenal boss will hope he can follow in the footsteps of fellow youngster, Francis Coquelin, who found himself in a very similar situation last season.
Coquelin was recalled early from his loan spell with Charlton last season, and quickly became the standout surprise whilst filling the void in central defensive midfield.
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