David James has suggested that Ainsley Maitland-Niles has declined as he is set to leave Arsenal for Southampton on transfer deadline day, as he told Sky Sports News.
The former England goalkeeper added by saying that Maitland-Niles’ performances ‘haven’t grown’, whilst Arsenal have started to go through the roof under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have won their opening five Premier League games and are sitting top of the Premier League table.
Maitland-Niles hasn’t been part of such early dominance from Arteta’s team and it seems as though the 25-year-old is going to Southampton on a season-long loan with an option to buy for the Saints.
In recent seasons, the Hale-End star has been out on loan, including at West Brom, but that ended in relegation for the versatile Englishman.
It will be interesting to see how Maitland-Niles is used at St Mary’s, as James reacted to the player’s imminent exit from north London.
“Arsenal have just got better around him,” said James. “The one thing with players is that they peak at different ages.
“They could do it at 15 or then they can do it at 36. I’m not saying Maitland-Niles has peaked, necessarily, but his performances haven’t grown like Arsenal have.
“They are top of the league. 100% start. It’s going to be difficult for anyone to break into that, at the moment.
“Now, to go on a season-long loan to Southampton, who have turned a corner, dare I say?! I think it would be a good thing for him and a good opportunity for him.”
MAITLAND-NILES NEEDS TO FIND CONSISTENCY
It needs to be remembered that Maitland-Niles has England caps to his name and at one point it looked like he was going to seriously elevate his career.
For one reason or another, it’s hit a brick wall and he is searching for that light once more.
There was a period when it was being questioned if he is a fullback or a midfielder. Well, it seems as though he wants to play in the middle of the park.
His last loan spell at West Brom didn’t go as planned and this one has to work for his long-term future and possibly still being part of Arteta’s long-term plans.
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