Arsenal: So where does Ainsley Maitland-Niles fit exactly?

Ainsley Maitland-Niles signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. So has Granit Xhaka. Aaron Ramsey is expected to. Lucas Torreira is reported to join the mix. So where does the young midfielder fit into all this exactly?

The development of young players is dependent on opportunity. They need the chance to play, to make mistakes, to learn from their errors, to further their understanding of the game, to knuckle-down into the details of their position, to recognise and execute their duties. It is essential for any young player.

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The hardest point in any career to maintain consistent game time is during the transition from the youth level to the senior level. Players often get squeezed into depth roles in the squad, are rarely afforded starts, other than in lesser competitions, and suffer from infrequent starts. Suddenly, they are 23 and are on their way out of the club.

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It has happened at Arsenal time and time again. Talented youngster shines at youth level; fast-tracked into the senior squad, their only game time comes in the EFL Cup or when sent out on loan; they rot in the reserves for a few years before being sold as the club comes to the realisation that they are never going to fulfil their potential. I fear that that process could be about to take place for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The 20-year-old — he will turn 21 just as the season begins in August — broke onto the first-team scene last season, making 15 Premier League appearances, eight of which were starts, fielded in a variety of positions including left back, left wing-back and central midfield. But his appearances only came when injuries struck or rotation was being implemented. He was not an assured starting presence in the team.

And if he is to pursue his midfield dreams, it is difficult to see how he can force his way into the starting line-up on a regular basis next year.

Granit Xhaka has just signed a new, long-term extension. Aaron Ramsey is expected to as Unai Emery reportedly pledges to build the team around him. Mohamed Elneny is not going anywhere, while it looks as though Lucas Torreira of Sampdoria will be on his way in a £26 million deal this summer. There aren’t many opportunities for Maitland-Niles.

The midfielder did sign a long-term contract this past week and Ivan Gazidis stated that Emery rates his talent very highly in the Spaniard’s introductory press conference in late May. There is clearly an interest from the club to keep his future in-house. But will it actually help his future? Will he ever play?

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Something will have to give. Maybe it will be Jack Wilshere.