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Topics: Arsenal, Football, Ainsley Maitland Niles, Premier League, Transfers, Mikel Arteta
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Arsenal, Football, Ainsley Maitland Niles, Premier League, Transfers, Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have confirmed 13 players will leave the club this summer across various men's and women's teams after coming to the end of their contracts.
Arsenal made the announcement with a club statement on Friday morning, first confirming players in the men's first team, U23 and U18 squads whose current contracts will officially end on June 30, 2023.
The most high-profile player leaving the club is defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who has made 132 senior appearances for the club.
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Maitland-Niles spent last season on loan at Southampton, who finished bottom of the Premier League.
The England international had already confirmed in April that he would leave Arsenal at the end of his contract.
He told The Athletic: "It's been a great journey but it has come to an end now (at Arsenal).
"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.
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"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."
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Arsenal also confirmed Zach Awe, Joel Idehom, George Lewis, Matt Smith and Tom Smith will be leaving the club at the end of the month.
Reiss Nelson is also out of contract at the Emirates at the end of June but negotiations are ongoing over a new deal for the winger.
Nelson made 18 senior appearances for Arsenal last season, scoring three times.
In addition to those players already named, Arsenal also confirmed four scholars will leave the club this summer; Kaleel Green, Alexandar Kovacevic, Tino Quamina and Mathaeus Roberts.
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Meanwhile, three departures from the women's team were also announced, with Mana Iwabuchi, Rafaelle Souza and Fran Stenson leaving this summer.
"Any further developments regarding players extending their contracts; joining/re-joining us; or leaving us will be officially communicated as soon as they are confirmed," read the club statement.
"We thank all the above players for their contributions to the club during their time with us.
"You will always be part of the Arsenal Family and we wish you all the best of health, happiness and success in your futures."