Southampton agree to sign Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan transfer until end of season with option to buy
SOUTHAMPTON have agreed a loan deal to sign Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Maitland-Niles, 25, has long been tracked by Ralph Hasenhuttl and the deal includes an option to buy at the end of the campaign.
The Gunners academy graduate has also extended his contract at The Emirates to June 2024, having initially been out of contract at the end of this season.
The Saints have been keen to bring in cover in the full-back positions since Tino Livramento suffered an ACL injury in the final weeks of last season.
Maitland-Niles spent the second half of last season on loan with Jose Mourinho at Roma.
Southampton are looking to be active on deadline day too.
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Deals for two Manchester City youngsters, Samuel Edozie and Juan Larios, are set to be completed before they look to finish with a bang.
Talks are ongoing over a deal to sign PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, having already had two bids rejected.
The Saints have offered £21million to land the 23-year-old, who is a target for a number of Premier League clubs, including Leeds United.
Despite the clubs remaining apart in their valuations, there is hope on the South Coast that a fee can be agreed - though Southampton insist they won't pay over the odds.
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Oriol Romeu could also leave St Mary's before the deadline, with Spanish side Girona keen on a deal.
However, AN injury to 18-year-old Romeo Lavia following his goal against Chelsea on Tuesday night means Romeu may have to stay put as cover.
Southampton have also agreed a deal with Bournemouth to allow Jack Stephens to join the Cherries on loan for the season.
The defender, 28, has two years left on his current deal and joins on a straight loan with no option or obligation.