Southampton: All transfer deals Saints could complete by January deadline
By Marc Walker
Ainsley Maitland-Niles on-loan from Arsenal
The main rumour involving Saints that has appeared in the last two days is the potential loan signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal (report via the Athletic).
The 23-year-old would provide valuable cover for a number of positions in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad having played as a full-back, winger and central-midfielder for the Gunners.
West Brom are also in the race to sign him and may be able to promise more first-team minutes, whilst some sources are reporting that Arsenal want Ryan Bertrand in a swap deal with Saints – highly unlikely given the lack of options at St Mary’s.
Interestingly, other full-backs have been loosely linked too. Barcelona’s Junior Firpo was mentioned as a target by Marca, whilst Jonjoe Kenny of Everton was a name brought up by Hampshire Live.
Saints are permitted one more domestic loan and further loans from abroad, but a move for Kenny would be limited by Theo Walcott already joining temporarily from Everton.
Comments from Ralph Hasenhuttl have suggested Saints have a few options in terms of targets so it’s fair to say we can expect an arrival.