Southampton have joined the race to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan from Arsenal, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Maitland-Niles’ significance in the Arsenal squad has decreased this campaign. If he wants to have a shot of heading to the European Championships with England, he needs to be playing regular football between now and the end of the season.
MORE: West Brom in talks to sign Arsenal starlet on loan
A loan between now and June, and an assessment of options in the summertime, looks like the best option, especially this late in the transfer window. As per David Ornstein, Southampton are the latest Premier League side to show an interest.
? Southampton enter race to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan. Contacted Arsenal in last 24hr & #AFC want that over West Brom or a rival. Could raise fresh questions about Ryan Bertrand future but #SAINTSFC want to keep him + add AMN @TheAthleticUK #WBA https://t.co/Nr9lLZcFyD
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 29, 2021
His claim that contact has been made with the Gunners suggests that this one could accelerate pretty quickly if terms are agreed. It would be a good opportunity for Maitland-Niles to play regular Premier League football for a team with European ambitions.
Surely this one ticks all the boxes?