Ainsley Maitland-Niles has reflected on his decision to leave Arsenal after spending 16 years at the club. 

Maitland-Niles is a product of the Arsenal youth system and went on to make 132 appearances for the club across all competitions between 2014 and 2023, winning FA Cup and Community Shield titles.

However, Maitland-Niles was never truly able to establish himself as a regular starter at the Emirates Stadium and following loans with West Brom, Roma and Southampton, joined Lyon upon the expiry of his Arsenal contract last summer.

The 26-year-old played 29 times across all competitions last season to help Lyon climb from a relegation battle into sixth place in Ligue 1 while also reaching the Coupe de France final — losing 2-1 to PSG.

Maitland-Niles was back in London on Sunday as Lyon took on Arsenal in the Emirates Cup, with the Gunners winning 2-0 thanks to goals from centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.

Speaking before that match, Maitland-Niles recalled how leaving Arsenal when he did was the correct decision for his career.

?? Friendship with Laca
? Penalty king
?? French lessons

We spoke to Hale End graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles ahead of his Emirates Stadium return ?

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 11, 2024

“I’m very mature in my mind and I understand how football works,” Maitland-Niles told Arsenal’s official website.

“Sometimes it’s time to let go of a club that has been so dear to you and you had so many years with. So it was more of a process of trying to move on, both for my family and myself.

“Obviously my contract expired anyway, so I had to find something that was concrete and solid and I felt like Lyon was the best fit.”

The post Former Arsenal star reflects on leaving the club – “Sometimes it’s time to let go” appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It looks like it’s going to be a busy summer of Arsenal transfer news, with plenty of ins and outs to look forward to for the club’s fans.

As well as big spending, the Gunners could offload a long list of first-team players to free up space in their squad and on their wage bill.

According to the Times, this could mean as many as nine senior names are offloaded by Arsenal, with the report listing Granit Xhaka, Emile Smith Rowe, Rob Holding Kieran Tierney, Folarin Balogun, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Cedric Soares, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares as being the players who could be moved on.

Mikel Arteta certainly deserves the backing of the Arsenal board after such an impressive season, with the Spanish tactician turning this unfancied side into genuine title contenders, even if they ultimately couldn’t quite keep up with this relentless Manchester City side.

More Stories / Latest News

Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

Aug 12 2024, 0:18

Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

Aug 11 2024, 23:38

Chelsea’s €40m transfer falls through after major problem finalising contract

Aug 11 2024, 22:54

The Times link Arsenal with some big-name signings such as Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, and it certainly could be a very different-looking squad next term if those nine exits go through as well.

The report also suggests AFC could look at other big talents like Raphinha and Moussa Diaby, so we may well see a bigger and more competitive squad at the Emirates Stadium next season.

The post Arsenal transfer plans could involve nine-player clear-out alongside huge signings appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hello all and welcome to the latest edition of my exclusive CaughtOffside column: Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe to get this in your inbox five mornings a week, completely ad-free, plus more exclusive content from my fellow columnists Ben Jacobs, Christian Falk and Jonathan Johnson.

Ajax

Twente want sign Ajax-loanee and U21 Holland talent Anass Salah Eddine — there’s also interest from Bundesliga clubs. The player’s preference is to go back to Ajax where he’s under contract until 2025. Talks between Ajax and player side about future are expected to take place soon.

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka’s new Arsenal contract is agreed since one month, no doubts on that. For Reiss Nelson talks are ongoing, the player has to make a decision. The negotiations with William Saliba continue but it’s not something at final stages yet.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has confirmed he will be leaving Arsenal as a free agent in the summer, and that he’d be open to staying at loan club Southampton: “It’s been great journey but it has come to an end now. Southampton is a great club to be at — if they were to make an offer, I’ll be more than happy to stay.”

Barcelona

Lionel Messi has spent some days in Barcelona – we know that he and his family love the city. He was having dinner with two former teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, so what happened? Both players are hoping for Messi to return and hope that they can then also continue at Barcelona. They have been speaking to Messi many times to tell him to come back. Busquets has important offers from Inter Miami and Al Nassr, but he wants to extend his contract at Barca, partly because he feels there is a concrete chance for Messi to return to the club. Financial Fair Play will be crucial before Barca can make an official bid.

Barcelona director Mateu Alemany on Frenkie de Jong’s future: “Frenkie is very important player to us — he’s an added advantage to be with us.”

Xavi also considers De Jong as “crucial player”, as he confirmed yesterday.

Understand Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains on Barcelona’s list as a backup striker for next season. Auba will leave Chelsea and he would love to return to Barca. The deal hinges on Financial Fair Play.

Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque has always been the favourite option but difficult due to high price tag.

As already discussed, Roberto Firmino is not a concrete option for Barca, just one of the names considered internally, but I’m told nothing is advancing. It’s not concrete at all. Aubameyang is the favourite option but it’s not a priority, I mean not something to complete in April or May; it will depend on how much Chelsea will ask and also on Financial Fair Play.

Bayern Munich

Eintracht Frankfurt director Markus Krosche: “We had no contact from Bayern for Kolo Muani — but it’s normal for a club like Bayern to consider Randal. But he feels very comfortable with us. Also, can say Bayern isn’t the only club considering him.”

Eintracht won’t accept normal fee for Kolo Muani. They still hope to keep him until Euro 2024 and sell him after that competition; but fee close to €100m could help to change their mind.

Chelsea

Talks are progressing very well between Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea board. Process ongoing — it’s not a done deal yet but it’s getting closer after positive talks held on Monday night. This was a crucial moment as they held positive talks on the project, on the squad.

Pochettino has told his backroom staff to get ready as it’s very close and he’s the clear favourite since Friday. Chelsea will make a final decision soon, but Pochettino would join in June, not now. Chelsea still need to prepare the final contracts, but Pochettino is closer than ever to getting the job.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the favourite option but it’s not a priority, I mean not something to complete in April or May; it will depend on how much Chelsea will ask and also on Financial Fair Play.

Crystal Palace

I can confirm the reports that have been doing the rounds: yes, Crystal Palace have offered Wilfried Zaha a huge contract. They will insist to keep him but the decision on the player’s side will be made at the end of the season, not in April. There are as many as eight or nine clubs informed on the conditions of the deal, Zaha is super appreciated not just in the Premier League, but Palace want to keep him.

More Stories / Latest News

Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

Aug 12 2024, 0:18

Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

Aug 11 2024, 23:38

Chelsea’s €40m transfer falls through after major problem finalising contract

Aug 11 2024, 22:54

Lyon

Moussa Dembele will be one to watch this summer as he prepares to leave Lyon. Despite rumours, he was not that close to clubs in the Premier League in the past; just some normal interest. He’s now an interesting opportunity as he will 100% leave OL in the summer as a free agent. There’s nothing decided now, but he will assess his options soon.

The post Exclusive: Arsenal trio contract latest, €100m star’s Man Utd links & more – Fabrizio Romano appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal ace Ainsley Maitland-Niles has confirmed his plans to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

The 25-year-old has struggled for playing time at the Emirates Stadium in recent years, going out on loan to Southampton this season, as well as with Roma last year and West Brom the season before that.

It remains to be seen where Maitland-Niles will go next, but he’s confirmed to The Athletic that his time at Arsenal will be coming to an end.

The report adds that Southampton had a clause to make Maitland-Niles’ loan move permanent, but with AFC deciding to let him leave at the end of his contract, that’s no longer valid.

The player himself, however, has admitted he’s focused on helping Southampton survive, and that he’d be open to staying with the Saints if they make him an offer.

“It’s been a great journey but it has come to an end now (at Arsenal). It’s time for a fresh start and to find a new home. I’m looking forward to that but, at the same time, my head’s not quite there yet and it’s all about what’s happening now with Southampton,” he told The Athletic.

“I’m just fully focused on trying to help us stay up and stay positive on a day-to-day basis and win games. When the time gets closer towards the end of the season, I’ll have something else to think about. But right now, I’m just focused on football and the task at hand.

More Stories / Latest News

Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

Aug 12 2024, 0:18

Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

Aug 11 2024, 23:38

Chelsea’s €40m transfer falls through after major problem finalising contract

Aug 11 2024, 22:54

“Southampton is a great club to be at and progress and get some minutes under my belt. Of course, if they were to make an offer, I’ll be more than happy to stay.”

Some Arsenal fans will be disappointed to lose this decent squad player, who showed real promise earlier in his career and who would surely still have something to offer as a squad player.

The post “It’s time for a fresh start” – Arsenal ace confirms plans to seal transfer away this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Mikel Arteta has really turned things around at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal on course for their first Premier League title in almost 20 years.

There’s still plenty of work to be done in order to get the Gunners over the line, but we can be assured that the studious Spaniard will do everything he possibly can to help his players earn a deserved winners medal.

That includes overseeing another squad overhaul as Arteta looks to trim the deadwood and bring in some much needed funds for alternative stars.

The Sun report that £72million club record signing Nicolas Pepe could lead an exodus, which may include Nuno Tavares, Pablo Mari, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sambi Lokonga, Cedric Soares and Alex Runarsson.

That may seem a little drastic, but when you talk about levels, then only a certain type of player will fit the bill.

If Arteta wants to take the Gunners to an elite level and get them back at European football’s top table then sacrifices have to be made.

The Spaniard has surely already earned the trust of his paymasters and Arsenal’s long-suffering supporters after the sterling effort so far in the 2022/23 season.

More Stories / Latest News

Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

Aug 12 2024, 0:18

Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

Aug 11 2024, 23:38

Chelsea’s €40m transfer falls through after major problem finalising contract

Aug 11 2024, 22:54

If he’s able to secure the title to boot, that question of trust shouldn’t even be a question at all.

When you consider how Arteta has already transformed the north Londoners in the short space of time that he’s been at the helm, this could be a really special period indeed for the club.

The post £72m Arsenal flop set to lead Gunners summer clearout as Arteta clears the decks appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal and Chelsea were reportedly both keen to avoid loaning players to Newcastle United this summer.

These teams seem to be wary of Newcastle’s potential under their wealthy owners, who have invested in some big-name signings such as Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes since buying the club last year.

According to the Telegraph, it seems Arsenal blocked Ainsley Maitland-Niles from joining the Magpies on loan, even though the player was keen on the move before he ended up at Southampton instead.

Maitland-Niles could have been a useful addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, but it seems clear that Arsenal now view Newcastle as a threat and didn’t want to allow a player to join them temporarily.

More Stories / Latest News

Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

Aug 12 2024, 0:18

Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

Aug 11 2024, 23:38

Chelsea’s €40m transfer falls through after major problem finalising contract

Aug 11 2024, 22:54

The same seems to be true with Chelsea, with Newcastle at various points keen on Christian Pulisic, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja.

The Blues, however, did not want to allow any of these players to move to St James’ Park on loan.

It will be interesting to see how Newcastle can continue to overcome these hurdles in the transfer market in the near future.

EXCLUSIVE transfer news straight to your inbox – subscribe here!

The post Arsenal and Chelsea deliberately keen to avoid loaning players to one club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Hello guys and welcome to my second briefing of the day as things move quickly on Deadline Day – read on for updates on Arthur, Douglas Luiz and more!

AC Milan

Sergino Dest is currently undergoing first part of medical tests as new AC Milan player. Barcelona were ready to let him go. He joins on an initial loan with a permanent buy option.

Arsenal

Arsenal are in talks over signing Douglas Luiz. He wants to leave Aston Villa, so personal terms won’t be an issue, but discussions taking place over £20m fee.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has signed a new contract until 2024 with Arsenal before moving on loan to Southampton.

There’s no Arsenal bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk – Shakhtar Donetsk expect him to stay, they’ve also rejected other offers. Arsenal have held an interest, but nothing more concrete so far.

Aston Villa

Leander Dendoncker is on his way to Aston Villa – it’s a done deal. £13m fee agreed, with his medical taking place this afternoon.

Barcelona

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to leave for Chelsea, with Marcos Alonso moving to Barcelona as part of the deal.

Hector Bellerin to Barcelona is on – he’ll join until 2023 after an agreement to terminate his contract at Arsenal.

Despite reports to the contrary, Memphis Depay is now closer to staying at Barcelona rather than leaving.

Chelsea

Chelsea and Barcelona have finally reached an agreement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The fee will be €14m, plus Marcos Alonso moving in the opposite direction. Aubameyang will be in London tonight and sign a two-year contract with the option of one more.

Despite reports, my understanding is that there are no advanced talks over Memphis Depay – Aubameyang remains Chelsea’s priority. As I said earlier, though, Depay is one to watch on Deadline Day – find out more here.

Kenedy is in Spain ahead of a possible move to Valladolid. His agents are working on the deal with the La Liga club.

Espanyol

Martin Braithwaite is having a medical with Espanyol as he looks set to terminate his contract with Barcelona and move on a free transfer. He’ll sign a contract until 2025 with Barca’s rivals.

Everton

Everton submitted a formal bid of £25m plus £5m in add-ons on Wednesday for Joao Pedro: Watford have turned the offer down – they have no intention to let him go.

Fulham

Layvin Kurzawa has signed his contract as a new Fulham player. He’s joining on loan from PSG – it’s now a done deal.

Daniel James is set to join Fulham on loan from Leeds. Tottenham were also interested, as I revealed earlier.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian is another incoming player for Fulham – he’s just signed a contract with the club and it’s a done deal.

Getafe

Jordan Amavi to Getafe, deal done. He’s flying to Spain in the next few hours to sign the contract after a move to Olympiacos fell through a few days ago.

Inter Milan

Inter Milan are set to seal the loan signing of Francesco Acerbi from Lazio. It will include the option to make the transfer permanent, but has no effect on the future of Milan Skriniar.

Leeds

Leeds are set to sign Bamba Dieng from Marseille for €10m – he joins as a replacement for Daniel James, who is moving on loan to Fulham.

Cody Gakpo was a target for Leeds, but he’s now set to stay at PSV. Leeds could try again for the Dutch winger in January.

Leicester City

Official, confirmed. Wout Faes joins Leicester on permanent deal from Reims as the club’s replacement for Wesley Fofana.

Leicester are also still working on a deal to sign Jeremie Boga from Atalanta.

Still no update on Youri Tielemans – I’m not aware of a bid from a mystery club. Personally, as I wrote earlier, I think he could have been perfect for Liverpool.

Liverpool

Arthur to Liverpool – here we go! He’s flown to the UK for his medical, with contracts all signed for loan deal valid until June 2023, with no purchase option.

Manchester City

Done deal, officially confirmed – Manuel Akanji has completed a transfer to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund for a deal worth €17.5m.

Sam Edozie and Juan Larios are going to join Southampton, as first revealed yesterday – now medicals ongoing for both. Both players have buy-back clauses inserted into the deal by Manchester City.

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Manchester United – exclusive insight here.

Tahith Chong to Birmingham City is a done deal. He’s set to take a significant pay cut to leave Manchester United permanently, with a medical scheduled.

Nottingham Forest

Official, confirmed: Willy Boly has completed a move to Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal from Wolves.

More Stories / Latest News

Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

Aug 12 2024, 0:18

Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

Aug 11 2024, 23:38

Chelsea’s €40m transfer falls through after major problem finalising contract

Aug 11 2024, 22:54

RB Leipzig

Official: Josko Gvardiol has extended his contract with RB Leipzig until June 2027, with Chelsea’s €90m bid turned down yesterday. There wasn’t enough time to complete the agreement, so talks for Gvardiol to Chelsea in 2023 will continue in January.

Official, confirmed. Abdou Diallo is joining RB Leipzig on loan from PSG, with the option to make the deal permanent for €25m.

Southampton

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has completed his medical to finalise a move to Southampton. He’s joining on a season-long loan with the option to make the move permanent.

Southampton are in talks to sign Maxime Lacroix. It won’t be easy but negotiations are ongoing between Southampton and Wolfsburg.

The post Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano’s Deadline Day round-up – star set for Liverpool medical, player pushing to join Arsenal + more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set to seal a loan transfer to Southampton, with the option to make the move permanent.

The England international has completed his medical with the Saints, and will sign a new one-year contract extension with the Gunners before leaving, according to Fabrizio Romano.

See the tweet below for details as it looks like Maitland-Niles’ move away from the Emirates Stadium is now all but done, with an official announcement surely not far away now…

Aisnley Maitland-Niles completed his move to Southampton, medical done and contracts to be signed now with Arsenal. ???? #DeadlineDay

New deal until June 2024 with #AFC and then loan to Southampton with buy option clause.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022

This looks a promising signing by Southampton, even if Maitland-Niles hasn’t had the east time of late.

The 25-year-old struggled whilst on loan at Roma last season, but previously impressed in Mikel Arteta’s side in some big games, though he couldn’t nail down a regular spot.

More Stories / Latest News

Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

Aug 12 2024, 0:18

Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

Aug 11 2024, 23:38

Chelsea’s €40m transfer falls through after major problem finalising contract

Aug 11 2024, 22:54

? EXCLUSIVE ?

As we reach #DeadlineDay, Erik ten Hag is increasingly confident over Cristiano Ronaldo.

Full story ??

— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) September 1, 2022

Southampton might be closer to his true level, with the player surely still having it in him to have a fine career in the Premier League.

Maitland-Niles’ versatility could surely make him an asset for many clubs in mid-table, and it looks like it’s Southampton who have won the race for his signature.

SUBSCRIBE for exclusive transfer updates straight to your inbox!

The post “Medical done” – Arsenal star has completed move to Premier League club, says journalist appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Good morning guys and welcome to my Daily Briefing! Read on for the latest on Cristiano Ronaldo, Youri Tielemans and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and what we can expect from them on Deadline Day…

AC Milan

Done deal – Sergino Dest to AC Milan, here we go! Full agreement with Barcelona for a loan, with purchase option of around €20m – not mandatory. Dest will sign until June 2027: a one year loan, plus a potential four year deal if he stays permanently.

Ajax

Official – Lucas Ocampos has joined Ajax, confirmed by the club. He joins from Sevilla for €20m.

Arsenal

Could we see late signings by Arsenal on Deadline Day? Click here to find out more.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set to become a new Southampton player. A medical has been scheduled, with an agreement on a loan move and potential purchase option.

Aston Villa

Douglas Luiz could be one to watch today, with Steven Gerrard admitting: “I am not in control of Douglas Luiz situation. We are not in a position where we need to lose our top players — but at the same time he has a year to go…”

Barcelona

Memphis Depay can terminate his contract with Barcelona at any time, so could be one to watch today – click here for the latest on his future.

Barcelona are looking at options for a new right-back after Sergino Dest’s loan move to AC Milan. I’ve been told LA Galaxy RB Julian Araujo has been discussed alongside other options. Hector Bellerin is also still waiting for Barca, with a decision to be made tomorrow.

Martin Braithwaite will terminate his contract with Barcelona – it’s been agreed. He is now expected to pick a new club today.

Birmingham City

Josh Maja’s move to Birmingham has fallen through. He decided to stay at Bordeaux for one more season and sign new two-year deal with 50% wage deferral which will be paid to him in June.

Chelsea

Talks over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are progressing well, with all parties confident this could go through – click here for all the latest details on this transfer.

Billy Gilmour could be on the move on deadline day as Brighton prepare to come back in with another bid for the Scotland international. He could leave permanently, final decision will be with Thomas Tuchel.

Fulham

Justin Kluivert deal is not happening. Potential move to Fulham deal has now definitely collapsed. He wouldn’t get a work permit, Roma not happy with the situation.

Juventus

Official, completed. Leandro Paredes joins Juventus on loan deal with buy option clause that could become mandatory.

Leeds

Three clubs are interested in Daniel James as we approach tonight’s deadline – click here to find out all you need to know.

Leeds also look to be in a strong position to sign a top class replacement if James does leave – all the exclusive info is here.

Liverpool

“I think he would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool, the right player in the right place” – is this the answer to Liverpool’s midfield issues? Click here to access my exclusive column.

More Stories / Latest News

Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

Aug 12 2024, 0:18

Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

Aug 11 2024, 23:38

Chelsea’s €40m transfer falls through after major problem finalising contract

Aug 11 2024, 22:54

Manchester United

Will we finally see a late move for Cristiano Ronaldo? Click here for my Deadline Day exclusive on one of the sagas of the summer.

Martin Dubravka deal is done – the deal is settled with all parties, 100%, no issues.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is currently expected to stay at Manchester United, with no serious offers for him as things stand.

Amad Diallo has joined Sunderland on loan. A full agreement was reached yesterday, he’ll be at the Stadium of Light until 2023, with no buy option as part of the deal.

Napoli

Napoli director Giuntoli: “Keylor Navas? We’ve two goalkeepers and they’re very good so 99% we’ll keep the current squad.”

“Cristiano Ronaldo deal? There was absolutely nothing true. We’ve good relationship with Jorge Mendes and nothing else.”

RB Leipzig

Abdou Diallo will fly to Germany this morning to undergo his medical as a new RB Leipzig player. He’s joining on loan, and the move can be made permanent for €25m.

Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad have booked medical tests for Umar Sadiq to take place this morning. He’s set to sign a long-term contract after a €20m deal plus €6m add-ons was agreed between Sociedad and Almeria on Wednesday night.

Sevilla

Confirmed – Adnan Januzaj has joined Sevilla on a free transfer. His medical is done and he’s signed a four-year contract after leaving Real Sociedad as a free agent.

Southampton

Southampton are in the running to sign Cody Gakpo – click here for an exclusive update on the Dutchman’s future.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set to join Southampton. A medical has been scheduled, with an agreement on a loan move and potential purchase option.

Tottenham

Tottenham are one of three clubs chasing Daniel James – here’s my latest exclusive info on the situation.

Manchester City’s talented young winger Adedire Mebude is attracting interest from Spurs and Club Brugge. City hope to keep hold of him, but a decision will be made soon.

Valencia

Valencia and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement over Ilaix Moriba moving on loan to the Mestalla, deal set to be completed in the next hours.

The post Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing – Cristiano Ronaldo update, Chelsea confident over striker transfer, and more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Southampton could be set to beat West Ham and Bournemouth to the signing of Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the coming weeks with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men ‘pushing to sign’ the former England international.

Maitland-Niles, who has come up through Arsenal’s youth ranks from the age of four, is slowly being edged out of the Emirates due to the amount of talent Mikel Arteta has in his ranks.

The star made just eight appearances before Christmas last season, where he was moved out to Roma on loan under Jose Mourinho.

But upon his return, it appears that Cedric Soares, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are ahead of him.

And according to reports by Fabrizio Romano, Saints are pushing to make him a new signing with his versatility potentially proving key to their survival hopes.

The publication states that talks are in progress over a loan-to-buy option with the five-time capped international having two years left on his contract.

And that could see them beat West Ham and Bournemouth to his signing if it goes through.

Saints have made a decent start to the Premier League season – with Arsenal top of the league after maintaining their 100 per cent record at the weekend.

MORE: “Unacceptable” – Erik ten Hag blasts Cristiano Ronaldo for recent decision

More Stories / Latest News

Former Everton chief executive drops West Ham points deduction verdict after £110m signings

Aug 12 2024, 0:18

Chelsea in shock talks for former player to return after collapse of £34.5m transfer

Aug 11 2024, 23:38

Chelsea’s €40m transfer falls through after major problem finalising contract

Aug 11 2024, 22:54

The post Southampton look to beat host of clubs to Arsenal star who is surplus to requirements appeared first on CaughtOffside.