It has now been confirmed that Southampton are in talks with Arsenal over the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
On Wednesday evening transfer powerhouse, Fabrizio Romano, provided an update confirming the rumours of the Saints interest.
According to Romano, the fellow Premier League side are pushing to sign the 24-year-old and a deal involving a loan with an option to buy is being discussed.
Southampton are pushing to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Talks now in progress with Arsenal on loan with buy option, as current AFC deal also included an option to extend until 2024. 🚨⚪️🔴 #SaintsFC
Saints, insisting to beat competition from two more clubs. #AFC pic.twitter.com/iaCYW7XYi4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2022
Whilst Maitland-Niles is into the final year of his contract with Arsenal, the club have an option to extend it for a further year and are likely to do so.
That would mean the power is back in Arsenal’s hands as they look to get a win for all parties, ensuring the midfielder gets some playing time and hopefully increases his market value.
The Englishman is yet to feature in a single match-day squad this season and has been frozen out of the Arteta’s plans after spending the second half of last season on loan.
Arsenal will be keen to get this one over the line as soon as they can with interest still there for the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Youri Tielemans.