Journalist Paul Brown claims that Southampton loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles could become part of Arsenal's plans for next season.
The Lowdown: Southampton struggles
Maitland-Niles has endured a tough season on loan at Southampton, where they are struggling at the bottom of the Premier League table, in stark contrast to Arsenal flying high at the top.
However, the Englishman has been one of their most consistent performers, averaging more tackles (2.4) per game than any of his team-mates in the division.
He was recently described as 'heroic' by Saints journalist Jacob Tanswell after putting in a vital block to help his team win 1-0 at Chelsea the weekend before last, and continues to work hard for the side to try and get them out of the relegation scrap.
The Latest: In Arsenal squad next season?
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown claims that it is 'not impossible' that Maitland-Niles returns to the Arsenal squad for next season, despite being sent out on loan multiple times:
“I think he's still got a chance. He's never really wanted to leave Arsenal but has been kind of forced to go out and find game time a couple of times now.
“It's not impossible that he comes back and makes a fist of it. I do think next season Arsenal are going to need a bigger squad and to call on more players than they have this year.
“So, I’ve got a feeling he will come back, and they'll take a look at him and Arteta will make a call based on what he sees in training. I think he's going to get a chance to be reintegrated.”
The Verdict: Keep him!
Maitland-Niles has shown that he can perform consistently in the top flight this campaign, and so should have earned him a place in the squad for next term.
Mikel Arteta has previously spoken about how highly he rates him, dubbing a him a 'huge talent' while also complementing his versatility.
Indeed, he has shown at Southampton that he is ability to drift into midfield from left-back.
Nonetheless, the 25-year-old will feel like he has a point to prove in North London after being sent out on loan, and could prove himself to be a valuable squad player for next season.