ARSENAL outcast Ainsley Maitland-Niles has completed a season-long loan to Southampton – after signing a contract extension at his parent club.
The versatile 25-year-old was not part of Mikel Arteta’s immediate plans at the Emirates.
And after loan spells at West Brom and Roma in the last two seasons, he has gone out on another temporary deal by joining Saints.
But first he put pen to paper on a new deal with Arsenal until 2024.
Maitland-Niles has 132 Gunners appearances but just three goals.
He was part of the England Under-20 World Cup-winning side in 2017 and lifted the FA Cup in 2020 as well as the Europa Conference League under Jose Mourinho.
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Now he will hope to kick on again with regular minutes at St Mary’s.
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “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.
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“I am pleased to welcome him as part of our squad.”
The signing of Maitland-Niles follows a busy deadline day for Saints.
Earlier on, there was the permanent exit of Oriel Romeu.
The defensive midfielder joined LaLiga new boys Girona after seven years and 256 appearances at Southampton.
Jack Stephens headed to Bournemouth on loan while teenage midfielder Samuel Edozie signed from Manchester City.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
