Town have confirmed the signing of Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles on a season-long loan.

Maitland-Niles joined his new team-mates for training for the first time this morning having completed the formalities of his switch and will be in the squad which travels to the Carton House Hotel in Co Kildare for a training camp next week, ahead of Town's first pre-season friendly against Shelbourne at Tolka Park a week on Saturday.

“It’s been a long wait to get the deal done but I’m here now and I’m ready to work,” he told Ipswich Player HD.

“Arsenal want me to get a bit of experience under my belt and I’m happy to do that. I’m still young and there’s plenty of time for me to develop.

“The Championship is a tough league but one I feel ready to perform in. The lads have really made me feel welcome here, they are wonderful.

“You can tell there’s a good group here and they’ve helped me settle in really well. I’m ready to work hard in pre-season now and hopefully hit the ground running ahead of the new season.”

As with all season-long loans there is no recall provision, however, Town would have the option to end the loan early in January if they wished to do so.

Goodmayes-born Maitland-Niles, who is primarily a right-sided winger but can play all across the midfield, joined Arsenal’s academy aged nine and broke into their U21 side during 2013/14, signing a pro deal in October 2014.

The England U17 and U18 international made his senior debut as a sub in last season’s Champions League game at Galatasaray and also made first team appearances from the bench against Newcastle in the Premier League and Hull City in the FA Cup.

Maitland-Niles hit the headlines earlier in the year when his mother, Jule Niles, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting two people at Arsenal’s training ground, amongst them Arsene Wenger's negotiator Dick Law. She was later released without charge.

Photo: ITFC

Photo: Action Images

Green_Army added 15:35 - Jul 2 Very welcome addition! Work hard while wearing the shirt Ainsley, that's all we ask!
6

Kieron_FJ added 15:36 - Jul 2 Best of luck Ainsley, Excited about this one! COYB!
6

iaintaylorx added 15:36 - Jul 2 fantastic! really looking forward to seeing this lad inject a bit of flair, power and pace into our attacks! great signing, COYB!
5

theipswichman added 15:36 - Jul 2 Excited about this kid.
5

MeenoITFC added 15:38 - Jul 2 LOVE IT!! WELCOME TO IPSWICH! we don't see many of these type of players here, im excited to see what he can do for us and himself.
6

Ryorry added 15:40 - Jul 2 Welcome aboard Ainsley, looking forward to seeing you play! :)
5

runningout added 15:41 - Jul 2 Hey... Calm down a little
-2

ArnieM added 15:50 - Jul 2 Niles down the right......Fraser down the left. ....Sears, Didzy and Murph up front, . Frankly, thats just scarry!
4

NoCanariesAllowed added 15:50 - Jul 2 First Fraser. Now Niles. "Hey baby, I hear the blues a-callin'..." Welcome, young lad - best of luck!
10

topguy added 15:51 - Jul 2 Welcome Ainsley Im sure youll be able to show how much of a future you have and help us up the league
2

PJH added 15:53 - Jul 2 Welcome Ainsley. Hope you enjoy your time with us and that we get to see a star of the future.
1

Bluetone added 15:54 - Jul 2 Power and pace and that's just his mum.
7

muccletonjoe added 15:56 - Jul 2 A couple more and we're ready to go
3

MeenoITFC added 15:57 - Jul 2 Watch out you dont upset him mick , you don't want the marge after you
4

MHS added 15:59 - Jul 2 Heard good things about this lad. Not sure he'll be a starter, but could be the difference in some games. Very happy with the positive transfer business we've done so far! Still hoping we use the financial position we're in (after selling Mings) to attract a top creative-midfielder and cover at the back - not sure if Clarke is at the level we require yet. All in all, exciting stuff!

2

marcusevans added 15:59 - Jul 2 Niles = Smiles 😃😃😃😃
3

GeorgeITFC24 added 16:14 - Jul 2 Good signing. I just hope we don't have to many loanees for the season!
2

Surco72 added 16:17 - Jul 2 Think this is a great signing , attacking player with pace and really good feet . Good loan deals done early for the whole season with Frazer as well . well done to all at the club for getting this sorted , the type of players fans want to go and see play
2

hampstead_blue added 16:20 - Jul 2 Watching the video, he'll be good at the cross bar challenge. Be good to see how he fits into our style. Arsenal are very, very different.
1

Seasider added 16:23 - Jul 2 Looked impressive on video.Lovely to see their under 21's play like the first team;pass and move.Mustn't forget though that JET came from Gunners. With the players Mick has signed looks like we might see a bit less hoof ball this season than last;but hey thought this when signed Henshall and Stewart last year! Continue how ever to be impressed with Micks deals in the transfer market.Just need a right back and attacking midfielder,and they need not be freebies for a change.Would like to see Jonny Williams back as with his injury problems shouldn't cost so much now,and would be good influence on the 3 or 4 young players who Mick has said will give a chance in Pre -season.

1

Kirbmeister added 16:24 - Jul 2 ArnieM - sort of 4-1-5 line up. Certainly be good on the attack! Not sure about when he are defending.
1

Surco72 added 16:37 - Jul 2 Seasider ... do you really think we need another creative midfielder with Dids , Bishop, Frazer, Niles ? Scoring goals was not the problem last season for me it was letting in soft goals that cost us especially after Christmas . I think we need an old head who can sit in the middle and pass the ball and protect a lead when we have it and protect the ball to see games out ?

1

topguy added 16:38 - Jul 2 I can see a poss 4 1 3 2 or maybe gamble if behind with 3 at the bk and play 3 1 4 2
0

MeenoITFC added 16:48 - Jul 2 ^^ 3 at the back?? id rather 5 with the two full backs more attacking.
-1

Currie10 added 16:51 - Jul 2 " Scoring goals was not the problem last season for me it was letting in soft goals that cost us especially after Christmas . " That was due to us having zero calmness on the ball or ability to keep it last season.
3

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls