Southampton leading the race to sign Arsenal midfielder

According to Fabrizio Romano, Southampton are leading the race for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Romano took to Twitter to give an update on the Arsenal midfielder's situation:

"Southampton are pushing to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

"Talks now in progress with Arsenal on loan with buy option, as current AFC deal also included an option to extend until 2024.

"Saints, insisting to beat competition from two more clubs."

West Ham and Bournemouth are also believed to be interested in the Englishman.

Arsenal will have hoped to generate a fee from Maitland-Niles this summer, but may be forced to settle for a loan.

Maitland-Niles has endured a tough few years in his Arsenal career, with multiple loans proving unsuccessful.

Mikel Arteta's arrival as head-coach in 2019 initially looked to be a revival for the Hale End product's Arsenal career.

Arteta took to playing a five-back system, in which Maitland-Niles excelled at left wing-back during Arsenal's run to the 2020 FA Cup.

The cup run also awarded Maitland-Niles with his first call-up to the England squad.

Wolves pushed to sign the player in the summer following, but Arsenal resisted.

However, the Gunners started the following season terribly, seeing a change in formation.

Maitland-Niles has struggled for game-time in the Arsenal team since.

He has been on loan twice in the past two seasons, to West Bromwich Albion and AS Roma.

Unfortunately the midfielder struggled to recapture his previous form in both, and returned to Arsenal.

Arsenal and Maitland-Niles will be hoping a loan to Southampton can revive the talented player's career.

Arsenal have had a number of departures this summer, including Nicolas Pepe who has left on loan to OGC Nice in recent days.