Ainsley Maitland-Niles Arsenal career is at something of a crossroads.
The 23-year-old was a key player for Mikel Arteta last year as Arsenal won the FA Cup and Community Shield, but found game time hard to come by at the Emirates this season.
As a result he has now moved on loan to West Brom for the remainder of the season where he is currently playing in his preferred central midfield position rather than at full back or wing back where he has spent most of his time with the Gunners.
His future with Arsenal after that move though is relatively up in the air though, with Mikel Arteta leaving the question relatively unanswered so far.
“Ainsley is a very talented player and we are proud of his hard work and development with us," he said as Maitland-Niles secured his deadline day move to the Baggies.
"This decision to go on loan to West Bromwich Albion for the rest of this season is to support Ainsley and his growth further.
"He will be working at a very good club in the Premier League and we all wish him the best of luck during his time at the Hawthorns.”
Now though it seems as though Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may have dropped a hint as to where the England international's long-term future lies.
The Gabon forward was taking part in a live session on the Arsenal's official Twitch account when he was asked about who he thought the fastest players in the squad were.
While answering though he appeared to hint that Maitland-Niles may well be coming back to North London once his time at the Hawthorns is over.
“Top three, apart me, you put me on the side, I think Kieran Tierney," he began when answering the question.
"He (Tierney) asked me to do a race against him because the stats are talking for him, maybe he is quicker than me, so let’s do it.
"Then I think it was Ains, but he left but he will come back, so we can do a race whenever and Reiss is there as well.”
With rumours that Hector Bellerin could leave the club come the summer there does appear to be a spot opening up in the squad for Maitland-Niles at right back if he wants it.
However, it seems unlikely that Mikel Arteta will give him the opportunity to play central midfield when he returns from West Brom due to the quality of options available to him already in that area.
