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Official: Ainsley Maitland-Niles joins Southampton on loan
Arsenal have confirmed the loan departure of Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Southampton for the 2022/23 season.
Maitland-Niles featured in pre-season for the Gunners but has long been considered as surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta. The versatile midfielder/full-back played a significant role during the formative period of the Spaniard’s reign before he was quickly thrust to the periphery.
Maitland-Niles struggled to impress in midfield while out on loan at West Brom two seasons ago and he was rarely used by Jose Mourinho at Roma during the second half of last season.
Thus, many expected the 25-year-old to depart this summer and Arsenal have been able to sanction another loan on deadline day.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles joins Southampton on a season-long loan
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1565429289272623110
Several Premier League clubs were in the race for Maitland-Niles as the summer transfer window edged towards its conclusion.
However, Southampton pulled ahead of the competition on Wednesday and quickly wrapped up a deal before the move was officially confirmed by Arsenal on Thursday evening.
The club wrote: “Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined Southampton on a season-long loan.”
Welcoming him to Southampton, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said of the Englishman: “Ainsley is at a good point in his career, with a lot of experience already, but he is also still a player with potential, and he is someone who can definitely help us.
“I think he fits well with us and can develop his game even further during his time here. He can also play in different positions, which is always a good thing, and I am pleased to welcome him as part of our squad.”
Reports suggest that an option to buy has also been included in the deal.
Arsenal are also set to oversee the exit of Hector Bellerin on deadline day after an agreement was reached with Barcelona over a free transfer. The club aren’t terminating his contract, contrary to earlier reports.
However, it appears as if the club will be unsuccessful in their attempt to bring in a midfielder. A move for Douglas Luiz had been prioritised and two bids were made, but Aston Villa are adamant that the Brazilian is not for sale.