Arsenal are trying to tie down youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles to a long-term contract after being impressed with his performances this season, according to the Daily Star.
The youngster has made an impact at left-back in recent months despite being a central midfielder by trade – displaying his excellent versatility.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has placed his trust in the England U20 World Cup winner and believes he has a bright future at the club, thus the desire to tie him down to a new and improved contract.
He currently has 18 months left to run on his contract and the club are keen to avoid something similar to what happened with Alexis Sanchez.
While Arsenal under Wenger have historically been a club that are always willing to hand opportunities to their young players, there has been a school of thought that they have lost that identity in recent years.
Maitland-Niles appears to be the one breaking through from the U23 squad and is ready to stake his claim for a regular role in the first-team squad.
