Ainsley Maitland-Niles prepared to "kiss Arsenal goodbye"

Arsenal defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles is ready to 'kiss goodbye' to the club if he is not given assurances over his future.

The Englishman endured a frustrating opening to the 2020-21 season before being shipped out on loan to West Bromwich Albion in January, where he made 15 Premier League appearances but could not save the Baggies from relegation.

Maitland-Niles became a regular fixture in the Arsenal team under Unai Emery, but he started just five Premier League games for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta last term and is prepared to end his stint with the North London club if it is the best move for both parties.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Maitland-Niles said: "If I was to get a phone call from someone at Arsenal and they said they'd like a meeting tomorrow, then it would be easier that way.

"They can tell me whether they've got plans to play me in the future or if they want to sell me. I've heard they want to make some space [in the squad] and some money so I'm not sure.

"I want a decision. I want some clarity. And then hopefully I can get to work with whoever I need to get to work with.

"Whether that is finding a new club or whether that is carrying on with my training. I would like some kind of indication of what is happening. Where they see me.

"If it works out it works out, if it doesn't then kiss Arsenal goodbye. It's been a long journey but a proud one at that. Maybe they still want to do something and things could change. If not, there's always other teams."

Maitland-Niles's existing deal with Arsenal is set to expire in the summer of 2023, and he has scored three goals and assisted seven more in 121 appearances after graduating from the club's youth academy.