Southampton are ‘interested’ in luring Arsenal ace Ainsley Maitland-Niles to St Mary’s but are facing stiff competition, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor. Saints have spent more than £50million on bolstering boss Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad since the transfer window reopened for business, but the Austrian could add further reinforcements ahead of the 11pm deadline on September 1.
Maitland-Niles has returned to Arsenal after spending the second half of last season on loan with Italian giants Roma, but it appears that another move away from the Emirates Stadium could be on the cards.
That is because, according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are keen to offload the 24-year-old and Southampton are in pole position to wrap up a deal.
The report suggests that south-coast rivals Bournemouth are also keen on five-cap England international Maitland-Niles, but Saints are leading the way as they are pushing to agree a loan which has the option of being made permanent.