A major update has emerged on the future of Ainsley Maitland-Niles at Arsenal...

What's the word?

The versatile 24-year-old midfielder had been in talks over a move to Premier League rivals Everton on loan with an option to buy, per The Athletic's David Ornstein early on Monday morning.

However, the Gunners have performed a U-turn on their stance since then, according to The Mirror's chief football writer John Cross, who delivered the fresh claim to Twitter later this afternoon.

Maitland-Niles has barely been given a chance under Mikel Arteta in recent times, having to go to relegated West Brom on loan in January, whilst he played only 48 minutes of competitive action since his return this summer.

Arteta mistake?

The England international has already vented his frustrations at a lack of game time amid the seemingly failed move to Goodison Park, taking to Instagram to say (via football.london's Chris Wheatley): "All I wanna do is go where I'm wanted and where I'm gonna play @arsenal"

As a result, plenty of the Emirates Stadium have vented their frustrations and anger over the situation.

Arteta was lambasted as a "clown" by one supporter, another urged the club to "let him go" to Everton, whilst a further fan suggested that the saga reflected how poorly the club was being run, as relayed by Caught Offside.

The Gunners' season couldn't have got off to a worse start as Arteta and his squad have lost all three of their opening Premier League matches, including a recent 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City.

Maitland-Niles cannot even get into the squad despite all of their defensive struggles and his desire to play at right-back, so it's no wonder that he wants to leave.

The £14.4m-rated academy graduate started only five league games before being shipped out to the Baggies last season and whilst this move would be another temporary spell away from north London, he could garner some funds next summer.

Arteta also has plenty of options at right-back, including Hector Bellerin, Cedric and Calum Chambers, which is another reason for Maitland-Niles' recent exclusion.

Therefore, it really is a perplexing move to not sanction his exit before Tuesday's 11pm deadline and it is why so many are fuming at the club.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Steve Howey says Arsenal are in huge trouble...