5 midfielders linked to Southampton with Hasenhuttl wanting another CM
By Marc Walker
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Saints targeted a deal for Maitland-Niles in January as they looked for a signing to help them in the 2020/21 run-in and the Mirror claimed back in June that the 23-year-old could be looked at again.
He is out-of-favour at Arsenal and the Mirror’s report suggests he will be allowed to leave the Emirates this summer on a loan or permanent deal.
Watford are also mentioned as potential suitors for Maitland-Niles and it will be intriguing to see if he takes a move in the final days of this transfer window.
He spent the second half of last season on loan with West Brom and is an attractive option for Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl because of his ability to play in central-midfield, out wide or as a full-back is needed.
If Arsenal do not see a long-term future for their man at their club then perhaps an option to buy could be included in any loan deal that does happen.