Quick Facts
VirgoBiography
Ainsley Cory Maitland-Niles (born 29 August 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger, midfielder or right-back for Arsenal.
Career
Maitland-Niles is a product of Arsenal's Hale End Academy having joined the club at the age of 6. Maitland-Niles made the step up to Arsenal U21 during the 2013–14 season, having broken into the U18 set up the season before. He signed his first professional contract with Arsenal on 24 October 2014.
On 9 December 2014, Maitland-Niles made his professional debut at the age of 17 years and 102 days in a UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray, replacing Aaron Ramsey at half time In doing so he became the second youngest player to have represented Arsenal in the Champions League, behind Jack Wilshere. Four days later, he made his Premier League debut, replacing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in added time in a 4–1 win against Newcastle United.
On 2 July 2015, Maitland-Niles signed for Ipswich Town on a season-long loan for the 2015–16 season. He scored his first goal for Ipswich and his first ever senior goal in a 2–0 win over Bolton Wanderers on 3 November 2015.
On his return to Arsenal the following season, Maitland-Niles started a match away at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup at right-back.
Maitland-Niles started at centre midfield against Southampton in the FA Cup in a 5–0 win for Arsenal.
International
Maitland-Niles has played for England at various levels within the youth setup of the Three Lions. In May 2017 he was called up to England's squad for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Honours
- Player of the Month: September 2015
Career statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Europe | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Arsenal | 2014–15 | Premier League | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2016–17 | Premier League | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | |
| Total | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | ||
| Ipswich Town (loan) | 2015–16 | Championship | 30 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 32 | 2 | |
| Career total | 32 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 41 | 2 | ||