Watford and Southampton are both set to make moves to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal next week, according to a report.

The Mirror report that newly-promoted Watford are lining up a move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, and Southampton are also keen on the England international. The two clubs are set to make their moves for him next week.

The outlet claims Arsenal may feel they need to raise funds for their incomings, amid interest in Ben White and James Maddison, among others. So Maitland-Niles could potentially be available for a transfer.

The 23-year-old recently told the media he was ready to leave if his situation at Arsenal didn’t change. He wants clarity over whether he’s in the club’s plans for the future, and if not, he’s willing to “kiss Arsenal goodbye”.

Maitland-Niles made 21 appearances for Arsenal in the first half of the 2020/21 season, including 13 starts, but only five starts were in the Premier League. Going on loan to West Bromwich Albion, he made 14 league starts between February and May.

Understandably, the Arsenal academy graduate will now be feeling like it’s time to find that kind of consistency starting for a club on a permanent basis. If that’s not at the Emirates Stadium, he’s going to look elsewhere.

Assuming the likes of Watford and Southampton make serious offers, Arsenal will have a decision to make.