Southampton are also in the mix to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the final week of the transfer window, the fourth Premier League club to show an interest.

ROME, ITALY: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of AS Roma battles for possession with Aaron Hickey of Bologna during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 01, 2022. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of AS Roma battles for possession with Aaron Hickey of Bologna during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 01, 2022. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

TalkSPORT and West Ham insider ExWHUemployee report that Southampton are also in the mix for the signing of Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles before the end of the summer transfer window next week.

TalkSPORT report that Southampton join Bournemouth and West Ham United in chasing Maitland-Niles, whilst ExWHUemployee claims Fulham are also in the race.

The Evening Standard report that West Ham have been offered the chance to sign Maitland-Niles, and they’re keeping tabs on the player, but he’s not currently a priority signing.

Meanwhile, The Beautiful Game Podcast report that West Ham, Bournemouth, and Southampton have all held talks with Arsenal over Maitland-Niles, with his preference to remain in London.

Ryan Taylor reported for the Express earlier this week that West Ham, Fulham, and Bournemouth were all interested in Maitland-Niles, so Southampton are the only new name in the media today.

Taylor claimed Mikel Arteta has made it clear to Maitland-Niles that the midfielder isn’t part of his future plans, and Arsenal are expecting to move the player on before the summer deadline.

But as of yet, Arsenal haven’t received any offers for the 24-year-old.

A permanent deal is the most likely outcome, but loan move with a one-year contract extension is reportedly another possibility.

Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in pre-season training (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in pre-season training (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Football.London wrote last week that Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Maitland-Niles.

The midfielder/right-back doesn’t appear to have much of a future in North London. He played some part in pre-season, but not a significant amount, and he was left out of Arsenal’s opening games of the league campaign.