Report: Southampton happy to agree obligation to buy Arsenal player

Add as preferred source on Google

Southampton may have moved a step closer to signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan, with The Athletic reporting that the Saints are happy to agree an obligation to buy the Arsenal man.

Maitland-Niles looks set to be one of the key players to keep an eye on during the final hours of the window. The 23-year-old has struggled for game-time for Mikel Arteta’s men recently.

It does appear that a host of Premier League sides want the Gunners ace. The Athletic reports that Leicester, Newcastle and the Saints made contact about a loan move on Sunday.

The report claims that Arsenal would prefer to agree a loan that includes an obligation to buy rather than an option.

It is also said that they would prefer for Maitland-Niles to join Southampton. And interestingly, The Athletic adds that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men would be happy to agree to an obligation to buy.

Of course, much may depend on where Maitland-Niles – who earns £35,000-a-week, according to Spotrac – wishes to go. But a move to St Mary’s must surely appeal at this stage of his career.

Hasenhuttl has done a fantastic job with the Saints. And along the way, he has helped a number of players take their game to the next level.

Maitland-Niles’ loan could be pivotal for his development. And regardless of whether his future lies at Arsenal or elsewhere, a loan move to Southampton could be exactly what he needs.