Ipswich Town are close to signing Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles on a season long loan.
It is believed that Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy is a keen admirer of the 17-year-old, who broke into the Arsenal team last season.
The central midfielder made his debut for the Arsenal first team in their Champions League game away to Galatasaray last December, becoming the club's second youngest player to appear in the first team behind Jack Wilshere.
Maitland-Niles impressed for the under-21 team last season
Maitland-Niles caught the eye of a number of scouts after his display in the first team and the under 21’s. Last season, the youngster made 13 appearances for the under-21 squad, just months after breaking up from the under 18’s.
A very pacy winger with an eye for goal, Maitland-Niles is viewed highly by Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger. Despite Wenger’s admiration for the 17-year-old’s talent, he believes that it would be valuable for him to move down a level and get first team football under his belt in order to improve his game.
After an incident that involved the players mother last month, Wenger told the Daily Mail, “He has a great future and he has my backing. His mother just wants the best for him.” He added, “I know Ainsley very well and he has my full support because he is a good boy.”
It is alleged that Jule Nile, Ainsley’s mum confronted chief negotiator at Arsenal, Dick Law during a meeting about his future at Arsenal, leading to her being banned from the training ground.
Ipswich are keen to add pace to their ranks in order to set out a strong squad for next season as they attempt to mount another play off push. The ‘Tractor boys’ are in pole position ahead of a number of Championship clubs who scouted the Arsenal youngster.
If the move does go ahead, it will certainly be an excellent acquisition for Ipswich, as Maitland-Niles has proved he has exceptional talent and potential for the future.