Ainsley Maitland-Niles expected to leave Arsenal at end of season after 18 years as Inter Milan right-back Achraf Hakimi is targeted as replacement

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has reportedly decided to leave Arsenal this summer as he sets his sights on playing ‘at the very top level’.

The 23-year-old, who is on loan at West Brom following a January switch, was left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad during the international break having figured in five of the previous seven Three Lions matches.

He came close to joining Wolves last summer but Arsenal turned down a £15million bid, and Maitland-Niles remains keen on departing the Emirates this summer as he accepts he may not be part of Mikel Arteta’s long term plans.

According to The Telegraph, Maitland-Niles aims to leave this summer despite two years remaining on his deal and Wolves, Leicester City and Southampton are believed to be interested in signing him.

The right-back, who can also play in midfield and on either wing, also believes there is a chance that he could attract interest from top Premier League clubs – especially given his homegrown status.

The report adds that Arsenal will now look to sign a replacement right-back this summer and Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi is a target.

Hakimi has impressed for Antonio Conte’s men as they lead their rivals Milan by six points at the top of the Serie A standings.

The Morocco international six goals and four assists in 26 Serie A outings this term.

Maitland-Niles has been at Arsenal since he was six years old and has made 121 appearances for the Gunners in seven years in north London.