Arsenal Midfielder Will Join Southampton on a Season-Long Loan

Arsenal have allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to leave and join Southampton on loan; the deal will see the player sign an extension with the North London club before he joins the Saints.

Southampton have had a frantic, last-minute search for a midfielder come to an end with the potential arrival of the Gunners’ Maitland-Niles. They were in for both him and Manchester United’s James Garner, who has now reportedly joined Everton on a permanent deal worth £15m.

It was either of the two midfielders mentioned or both, probably depending on the respective deals struck for each man.

No Space for Ainsley Maitland-Niles at Arsenal?

Maitland-Niles has just completed a stint on loan in Italy, where he saw out the final half of last season. He made 12 appearances, with 10 of them being starts, and played in a variety of different positions while at Roma. He played right-back, right-mid, wing-back, left-back, and even centre-back.

His last competitive game for the Gunners was against Liverpool in their 4-0 loss to them at the Emirates last year November. Thereafter, he made his switch to Italy and enjoyed a cup-winning end to his campaign under Jose Mourinho.

This season he has not featured in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side and a move looked to suit all parties involved, especially how the deal will be structured.

As per Fabrizio Romano; he will first sign a year extension as his current deal runs out in 2023 and the club have excised their right to trigger the year extension. Subject to a medical and personal terms, he will then be loaned out with an option to make the deal permanent for the Saints.

"Ainsley Maitland-Niles will become new Southampton player later today. Medical scheduled, contract to be extended until 2024 and then loan with buy option from AFC."

With the Gunners on an unstoppable run in the Premier League campaign and the arrival of others in positions he takes up across the pitch, his chances were limited.

They get to see him keep improving and if he hits the ground running in the EPL, they have another option to consider: keeping on board or selling for a decent fee, next season.