SOUTHAMPTON will reportedly slug it out with West Ham and Bournemouth to sign Arsenal outcast Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Maitland-Niles returned to Arsenal in the summer after a loan spell with Roma last season.
Arsenal have offered Ainsley Maitland-Niles to three Premier League clubs
The midfielder failed to impress Roma boss Jose Mourinho who opted against making his switch permanent.
But there’s no room for the 24-year-old at The Emirates either in Mikel Arteta’s side.
And the Gunners will rather cash in on Maitland-Niles now before losing him for free next summer when his contract ends.
They initially touted Maitland-Niles to the Hammers, but David Moyes’ side have sights on other midfield targets such as Club Brugge ace Hans Vanaken, and Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.
West Ham’s indecisiveness has led the Gunners to approach Southampton and Bournemouth with the chance to snap up Maitland-Niles, talkSPORT reported.
Arsenal are desperate to get him off their books before the transfer window closes.
However, the Saints are showing interest in Manchester United starlet James Garner.
Garner’s chances of first-team football at Old Trafford this season were dramatically reduced after the Red Devils signed Casemiro for £70million.
But although United are open to selling Garner, the Saints aren’t willing to meet their £14m valuation.
Maitland-Niles could be a cheaper alternative for Southampton if United continue to play hardball.
Meanwhile, he may be welcomed with open arms by Bournemouth who could do with his extensive Premier League experience upon their return to the top-tier division this season.
