According to talkSPORT, Southampton have been offered the chance to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal, who is also wanted by West Ham.
What’s the story?
Well, it was talkSPORT’s Alex Crook who revealed the news on Twitter earlier today, as Ralph Hasenhuttl and David Moyes both aim to improve their squads before the September 1st deadline.
Since Crook made his claim, the Evening Standard add that West Ham have also been offered the chance to sign Maitland-Niles, although only on a permanent deal – the Hammers admire the England international, but would prefer an initial loan.
It comes after the 24-year-old struggled on loan at Roma last season, and as a result, he is yet to play under Mikel Arteta this term.
Maitland-Niles also failed to shine on loan at West Brom in the 2020/21 campaign, and Edu – Director of Football at the Emirates Stadium – is now said to be desperate to sell the Arsenal No.15 this summer.
The £48,000-a-week man becomes a free agent in July 2023, so this is Arsenal’s last chance to recoup a decent fee for the Hale End graduate.
In our view, that is the reason why Arsenal are offering him around – it is a matter of urgency, for sure.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles should push for Southampton or West Ham move
In our view, Maitland-Niles needs to show some initiative and take his future into his own hands.
The Londoner is obviously a talented footballer, having won five caps for England, but he has made a few poor decisions which have hindered his development.
Above all, Maitland-Niles has been stubborn over his insistence to play in midfield, despite playing most of his best football as a right-back.
While managing him at West Brom, Sam Allardyce described the 24-year-old’s reluctance to embrace his versatility as a “problem” as there are better central midfielders out there.
Now, after wasting a lot of time in his career, Maitland-Niles needs to settle down somewhere and push on.
Only time will tell whether he fulfils his potential at West Ham, Southampton, or somewhere else.
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