Arsenal defender announces departure from club amid Mikel Arteta decision

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has confirmed he will leave Arsenal this summer when his contract expires.

The versatile right back joined the Gunners’ academy at the age of six and made his first team debut under Arsene Wenger at just 17-years-old.

Maitland-Niles fell out of favour under current manager Mikel Arteta after initially impressing in the Spaniard's first season as head coach, before heading out on loan to West Brom, Roma and now Southampton.

It's understood that Arsenal have an option to extend Maitland-Niles' contract by another 12 months, which they have decided against activating - prompting the 25-year-old to confirm his imminent departure from the club.

“It’s been a great journey but it has come to an end now (at Arsenal),” he told The Athletic.

“It’s time for a fresh start and to find a new home. I’m looking forward to that but, at the same time, my head’s not quite there yet and it’s all about what’s happening now with Southampton.

“I’m just fully focused on trying to help us stay up and stay positive on a day-to-day basis and win games. When the time gets closer towards the end of the season, I’ll have something else to think about. But right now, I’m just focused on football and the task at hand.

“Southampton is a great club to be at and progress and get some minutes under my belt. Of course, if they were to make an offer, I’ll be more than happy to stay.”

Maitland-Niles is not the only Hale End academy product whose contract expires this summer, with Reiss Nelson yet to put pen-to-paper on a extension.

The winger is wanted by a number of European clubs and with his current deal set to run out in June, talks continue over a new long-term contract at Emirates Stadium.