Report: Southampton “in talks” with Arsenal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles loan-to-buy deal

Southampton are looking to bring in Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles before the summer transfer window according to various outlets.

Maitland-Niles, who can play in central midfield as well as in defence, has entered the final 12 months of his contract with Arsenal and the Gunners are looking to offload him according to The Daily Mail.

Saints are said to want to bring Maitland-Niles in on an initial loan with an option to buy.

The 24-year-old, who won the Europa Conference League on loan at AS Roma last season, is also drawing interest from Premier League clubs West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth according to that report.

Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano also suggests that Southampton are leading the race to sign Maitland-Niles on a loan-to-buy deal.

It’s been made evident that Maitland-Niles is no longer a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans at the Emirates and perhaps the prospect of a long-term move and more first-team minutes would suit his situation.