Southampton are set to complete the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the coming hours. The Saints have reached an agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of the Englishman.
He will extend his deal with the London club until 2024 before moving on loan to Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side for the 22/23 season. The player spent the latter half of last season on loan at Jose Mourinho’s Roma and won the Europa Conference League with them before returning to the Emirates.
He is not a part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the coming season, and as a result, is being moved on yet again.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles to join Southampton on loan
The 25-year-old’s move will have an option to buy as well, which will become active near the end of his loan spell next year. The two parties are now moving to finalise the transfer, with deadline day only a few hours away.
Since Tino Livramento suffered an ACL injury at the tail end of last season, Southampton need reinforcements in the full-back positions. And the arrival of Ainsley Maitland-Niles will provide just that.
He has experience in a variety of competitions at the top level, and can help Southampton achieve a respectable finish at the end of the season. Hasenhüttl’s side are also considering several other signings in the next 24 hours, and will have to move fast.