Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has expressed his sympathy with Ainsley Maitland-Niles after he saw a move away from the Emirates Stadium blocked.

The 23-year-old has long looked like a fine young talent, but has struggled for playing time recently and could perhaps have benefited from going out on loan or maybe even leaving Arsenal permanently.

There was talk of Maitland-Niles possibly leaving on deadline day, with John Cross of the Daily Mirror tweeting yesterday that the England international had a move to Everton blocked…

MORE: Odegaard already frustrated with life at Arsenal

Former Arsenal defender Campbell has now discussed the situation with talkSPORT, admitting it was a tricky one for all the parties involved.

While Campbell understands that Arsenal need to think about their squad depth, he recognises that a move to Everton could have been ideal from Maitland-Niles’ perspective…

Arsenal haven’t come out of this looking that great, but fans will now hope Maitland-Niles can put this saga behind him and win his place back.

With Hector Bellerin leaving, there’s surely now more of an opportunity for Maitland-Niles to get games at right-back.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Sweet Carolina! Panthers bring home former No. 1 overall pick
Dodgers signing catcher to 10-year extension
Insider shares major update on return of 76ers' Joel Embiid
Watch: Draymond Green’s ejection leaves Stephen Curry dejected
UConn HC Dan Hurley delivers hilarious transfer portal analogy
Did Jim Harbaugh tip his hand about what Chargers will do with No. 5 pick?
Eagles' Saquon Barkley opens up about unexpected feud with Giants legend
Lions re-sign career backup QB
Jets' Robert Saleh, Woody Johnson had 'heated conversation' at owners meetings?
Mets release power-hitting first baseman
USC HC Lincoln Riley makes revealing comments about NIL
Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell gets candid on impending free agency
Caitlin Clark receives $5 million offer from pro basketball league
Bengals share concerning update on Ja'Marr Chase contract negotiations
MLS referees will return this weekend following CBA agreement
NCAA working to make sensible change to betting rules
Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles: 'We're not trying to win the offseason'
Lakers trio achieves feat not seen in 53 years in win over Bucks
Dave Roberts offers interesting comments on Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter being fired
Watch: Austin Reaves hits incredible go-ahead three-pointer to seal Lakers' improbable 2OT win vs. Bucks