Arsenal have confirmed the departure of 13 players, including Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is now a free agent and being targeted by clubs in Germany and Turkey. The 25-year-old made 132 appearances for the Gunners and spent last season on loan at Southampton. Maitland-Niles, who has five caps for England and came through Arsenal’s academy, has had previous loans at Roma, West Brom and Ipswich. The Gunners have also released three players from the women’s team – Mana Iwabuchi, Rafaelle Souza and Fran Stenson.
Heading 1: Arsenal confirm departure of 13 players
Heading 2: Ainsley Maitland-Niles becomes a free agent
Heading 3: Maitland-Niles targeted by clubs in Germany and Turkey
Heading 4: Arsenal release three players from women’s team
Maitland-Niles has two offers on the table from clubs in Germany and Turkey, according to Sky Sports. The Gunners have thanked all the departing players for their contributions to the club during their time with them. More players could be set to depart north London in the summer transfer window with Inter Milan keen on a deal for Folarin Balogun. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has revealed his stance on his future amid transfer interest from Paris-Saint Germain.
Heading 5: Maitland-Niles has two offers on the table
Heading 6: Inter Milan keen on Folarin Balogun deal
Heading 7: Martin Odegaard reveals his stance on future
Maitland-Niles’ departure from Arsenal marks the end of an era for the player who came through the club’s academy. He made his debut for the Gunners in 2014 and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club. However, he has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter in recent seasons and has spent time on loan at several clubs.
Heading 8: Maitland-Niles’ departure marks end of an era
Despite his struggles at Arsenal, Maitland-Niles is still highly regarded by many clubs across Europe. His versatility, speed and technical ability make him an attractive proposition for teams looking to strengthen their squads. The fact that he is now a free agent means that he could be a bargain signing for any club that manages to secure his services.
Heading 9: Maitland-Niles still highly regarded by clubs across Europe
Inter Milan’s interest in Balogun is another indication of the Gunners’ willingness to let young players leave the club if they feel they are not ready to make an impact at the highest level. Balogun has been linked with a move away from Arsenal for several months and it now looks like he could be on his way to Italy.
Heading 10: Inter Milan’s interest in Balogun highlights Arsenal’s willingness to let young players leave
Odegaard’s future at Arsenal has also been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks. The Norwegian midfielder spent last season on loan at the Emirates and impressed with his performances. However, PSG are reportedly interested in signing him this summer and Odegaard has now revealed his stance on the matter.
Heading 11: Odegaard reveals his stance on PSG transfer interest
In an interview with Norwegian outlet VG, Odegaard said: “I have not talked to PSG. I do not know where that comes from. I have a contract with Real Madrid and I am their player. So, it is Real Madrid who will decide what happens in the future.”
Heading 12: Odegaard says he has not talked to PSG
Overall, Arsenal’s decision to release 13 players this summer shows that they are looking to make significant changes to their squad ahead of next season. Maitland-Niles’ departure is a blow for the Gunners, but it also presents an opportunity for the player to start afresh at a new club. As for Balogun and Odegaard, their futures remain uncertain, but it is clear that Arsenal are not afraid to let young players leave if they feel it is in the best interests of the club.
Heading 13: Arsenal looking to make significant changes to squad ahead of next season