Mikel Arteta acknowledges that he has held "private conversations" with Ainsley Maitland-Niles regarding the Arsenal midfielder's future.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested that it was always the club's intention to retain the services of Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer.

Despite initially impressing under Arteta, the versatile England international has endured a frustrating 12 months at the Emirates Stadium.

When Arsenal turned down a bid from Everton last month, the 24-year-old took to social media to voice his frustration at not being allowed to move to a club that would provide him with regular first-team football.

With Maitland-Niles having eventually remained in North London, Arteta addressed the current situation ahead of Arsenal's upcoming Premier League fixture with Norwich City.

Speaking to reporters, the Spaniard said: "Any private conversation with players, what we believe the role they have in the team, is always resolved privately.

"I am happy that he has stayed, it was our intention and he's another player in the squad."

Maitland-Niles has been restricted to just two substitute appearances during Arsenal's opening four games of the season in all competitions. body check tags ::

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