Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been told he will not be training with Arsenal's first team this week after a transfer to Everton was blocked by manager Mikel Arteta, according to reports.
On Monday afternoon, the 24-year-old midfielder, who has been at Arsenal since the age of 6, pleaded with the North London club to let him leave for somewhere he is "wanted".
In an Instagram story post on his official account, a frustrated Maitland-Niles publicly called out the Gunners, saying: "All I wanna do is go where I'm wanted and where I'm gonna play."
In recent days, the player has attracted interest from Premier League side Everton, who are believed to have put in an offer this summer.
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The bid is said to have been a loan with an option to buy but that approach was swiftly rejected by Arsenal; a decision that has clearly left Maitland-Niles irritated as he continues to struggle for first-team opportunities under Arteta.
And now, The Mirror report that the club have stopped the player from training with the first-team this week as a result, even though they are keen for him to stay at The Emirates.
In addition to his frustrations of not being allowed to leave, the 24-year-old told Arsenal he wanted to play as a right-back this season, according to The Athletic, but he appears to be behind Cedric Soares and Hector Bellerin in the pecking order.
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In fact, Spanish full-back Bellerin is set to complete a transfer deadline day move to Real Betis, according to Arsenal reporter Chris Wheatley, which could make things even more difficult for Maitland-Niles to leave Arsenal in the coming hours.
It is believed Maitland-Niles, who spent last season on loan at West Brom, held talks with both Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu on Monday to try and resolve his future but as things stand, it seems he is going nowhere for the time being.
Thoughts on the situation?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: ainsley maitland-niles, Football, Transfers, Premier League, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta
