Pundit suggests behind-the-scenes problem at Arsenal after Maitland-Niles update via Sky
Alan Hutton has claimed Arsenal “is not a happy place” after Ainsley Maitland-Niles voiced his frustration over a failed move via social media.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs defender suggested the 24-year-old’s “frustration” reflected the atmosphere behind closed doors at the Gunners.
Posting on his Instagram stories on Monday (August 30th), Maitland-Niles stated “All I want to do is go where I’m wanted & where I’m going to play.”
The outburst came after the Gunners reportedly rejected a loan offer to Everton.
Sky Sports reported (31st August) he has since held “clear the air” talks with manager Mikel Arteta over the social media outburst.
Hutton sympathised with the 24-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom.
However, he suggested the midfielder’s conduct demonstrated issues behind the scenes.
“He’s just a young boy who wants to play football instead of sitting on the bench,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“He wants to play midfield; he got that opportunity at West Brom.
“At the moment Arsenal are struggling and he’s not really getting any game time.
“When you’re young, you can get frustrated very easily.
“With social media available to vent your anger, you can say things that you might regret later on.
“There was an opportunity there for him to go and play at Everton.
“But for whatever reason, they weren’t willing to let him go.
“Arsenal definitely isn’t a happy place at the moment.”
Maitland-Niles, whose contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in 2023, has played just 48 minutes in all competitions this term.
The Gunners currently sit bottom of the Premier League having lost three from three.
In other news, former referee Keith Hackett has had his say on a controversial flashpoint from last weekend’s action.