Arsenal: Ainsley Maitland-Niles West Brom Loan the End of the Road?

Arsenal have confirmed that Ainsley Maitland-Niles has left the club on loan this January transfer window to join West Brom on a six-month deal.

It appeared as though he would join Southampton only for his unwillingness to play at full-back scuppering the deal, one that could have become permanent after both parties discussed including an obligation to buy.

The 23-year-old has been with Arsenal since the age of six, signing his first professional deal in October 2014 and making his senior competitive bow for the club two months later in a Champions League victory over Galatasaray.

He’s since gone on to make 121 appearances for the club, but has fallen down the pecking order this season having been convinced to stay during the recent summer transfer window. He’s not been involved in any of the past four fixtures.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles leaves Arsenal to join West Brom on loan until the end of the season

With a host of clubs interested Ainsley Maitland-Niles‘ services this window, West Brom, who having been in and out of the running for his signature, have won the race.

"Mikel Arteta told the official Arsenal website: “Ainsley is a very talented player and we are proud of his hard work and development with us. This decision to go on loan to West Bromwich Albion for the rest of this season is to support Ainsley and his growth further. He will be working at a very good club in the Premier League and we all wish him the best of luck during his time at the Hawthorns.” Technical director Edu said: “We wish Ainsley the best of luck for his time with West Bromwich Albion. He deserves the opportunity to play consistently, which is what he needs for his club and international career ambitions and we fully support him with that.”"

Has Ainsley Maitland-Niles Played His Last Game for Arsenal?

Call it stubbornness or determination, but Maitland-Niles is insisting on persevering in central midfield despite having played as a full-back for the best part of two years. Sam Allardyce has either convinced him of minutes in that role or at least suggested he’ll get a chance in both, what Arsenal can’t provide him at this time.

Could he have been given more opportunities in central midfield? There is a case to suggest some of the outings given to Joe Willock et al could have gone by his way, sure. The opportunity has also been there for him to knuckle down and really excel in the right-back slot. Defensively he’s shown himself to be superb in certain areas, and he could be pushing Cedric or even Hector Bellerin at this point.

It’s clear that he has his own ideas of where his career should be heading. The longer there is a divided opinion internally about where he should be fielded long-term, then he won’t have a future at Arsenal. It does now feel like he’ll have played his final game for the club ahead of a summer sale.

At West Brom, Maitland-Niles may struggle in central midfield even if it is where he feels best suited, simply due to the change in style with the Baggies compared to Arsenal as well as the struggles facing them this season.

Lacking in quality across the pitch, the drop off could be quite telling for the 23-year-old. Equally, he could grasp the chance to demonstrate his talent aside players who’re deep in relegation trouble.

It’ll be interesting to see how he gets on in the midlands; whether he takes his opportunity or if the vast differences between his parent club and temporary employers plays a telling role. What this does do, is make Arsenal fans actually tune in to West Brom matches. Much rejoicing, even if it feels like the end of the road.