Southampton now in talks with Arsenal over Maitland-Niles – Romano

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Southampton are now in talks with Arsenal over a loan deal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles which will include an option to buy, according to a tweet from Fabrizio Romano.

Maitland-Niles’ situation appears to be coming to a head. Reports in the last few days have claimed that up to six Premier League sides want the 24-year-old.

He has been told by Mikel Arteta that he can leave, having played no role in the Gunners’ season so far.

And it appears that St Mary’s could be his next destination.

Romano has now reported on Twitter that the Saints are now in talks to sign Maitland-Niles on loan. The deal would come with an option to buy as Arsenal have an option to extend his contract by a further year until 2024.

But Romano added that two others want the versatile midfielder…

Southampton now in talks with Arsenal over Maitland-Niles

Saints fans will welcome a new signing before the deadline passes. It has been a mixed start to the campaign for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Their win over Leicester City will have provided reason for some optimism. And some of their new signings have shone at various stages in the opening three games of the campaign.

Maitland-Niles is predominantly known for playing at right-back or in central midfield. And the Saints could probably do with greater depth in those positions as Tino Livramento makes his way back from injury and Oriol Romeu reportedly closes in on a move to La Liga.

A loan move makes a deal for Maitland-Niles much more of a coup for Southampton. He is a ‘fantastic‘ player who has represented England. And he arrives on the south coast with a point to prove.