Arsenal Rumors: Struggling Star Wants To Leave Gunners Because Of Mikel Arteta

A struggling Arsenal star is reportedly opting to leave the club because of Mikel Arteta’s lack of trust.

The Gunners are currently in the process of a major rebuild. Based on the recent players being linked to the club, pundits speculated that Arteta is strengthening Arsenal’s defense, but at the expense of their attacking force. While these are all still considered just rumors, Arsenal defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles may shed some light on the renowned manager’s calls.

The Athletic football correspondent David Ornstein reported that Maitland-Niles wants to part ways with Arsenal as he feels that the Gunners boss does not have enough trust in him.

Maitland-Niles has struggled with getting regular playing time since the restart. But prior to his lengthy bench time, the Englishman used to be a key player for Arteta since he became the Gunners' manager in December.

The 22-year-old is primarily a central midfielder but has been deployed as a right-back for the majority of his Arsenal career. Apparently, this is an issue Arteta has been dealing with regarding Maitland-Niles.

As reported back in March, Maitland-Niles’ issues with discipline and preference to play in midfield have contributed to his lack of playing minutes in recent games. And the conflict reportedly affected the player’s relationship with Arteta.

Teamtalk reported that following the controversies surrounding Maitland-Niles, some in Arsenal may believe it is time for him to move on.

Fortunately, the well-rounded star has been drawing interest from English and German clubs. The report suggested that a summer exit for Maitland-Niles looks almost certain.

The Arsenal academy graduate has played for Arteta in every minute of his first six Premier League games as Arsenal manager. However, he has played in only four of the subsequent 12 matches.

Meanwhile, Arsenal has remained focused on adding a tight defender into the squad this summer. Arteta’s side has been linked to an array of defenders ahead of the transfer window, but Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly emerged as one of the most notable Gunners targets.

Arsenal is said to be competing with Manchester United, Chelsea and Man City in signing Koulibaly. However, the club could be the frontrunner if it can match the £80 million ($90.3 million) demand from Napoli as a transfer fee for the Senegal central defender.

Despite the strong interest, Koulibaly insisted that he currently has no intention of leaving Napoli and is even hoping to end his career at the club.