Ainsley Maitland-Niles: Arsenal midfielder joins Southampton on loan

Last updated on 1 September 2022.From the section Southampton68

Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles has joined Southampton on loan for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old, who also plays in defence, spent the second half of last season on loan at Roma.

He made 12 appearances for the Italian side, winning the Europa Conference League after joining in January.

"Ainsley is at a good point in his career, with a lot of experience already," Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said.

"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. I am pleased to welcome him as part of our squad."

Maitland-Niles signed his first professional contract with Arsenal as a 17-year-old - 11 years after joining the club.

He started Arsenal's FA Cup final victory over Chelsea in 2020, winning five England caps that year.

Southampton have also signed young midfielder Samuel Edozie from Manchester City on a permanent contract.

The 19-year-old England youth international joins Saints on a five-year contract, becoming the third player to sign from City this summer after Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia.

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68 comments

Comment posted by Select, at 21:18 1 Sep 2022
Well done both Arsenal and Southampton. Suits everyone as Maitland-Niles will get some match time.
Reply posted by terrahurtz, at 21:57 1 Sep 2022
terrahurtz replied:
Why has Romeu gone? Very underrated player IMO.
Comment posted by SherbertDipper, at 21:30 1 Sep 2022
Think this is a top signing, utility player, prefers midfield, and we need some more strength in the middle of the pitch. If we can tick off another central defender (which looks to be happening), and a striker (with pedigree) then I think this is a transfer window to talk about. To be frank I am slightly amazed by the number of transfers... Very Bl00dy amazed....
Comment posted by LionelRhodes, at 21:29 1 Sep 2022
Can we ever just sell a player please..?! And Barca making some money selling Auba to Chelsea is a bit of a slap in the face. Bellerin going there for another free. Will they sell him in a year too?
Reply posted by Packman, at 21:43 1 Sep 2022
Packman replied:
Arteta got rid of him Xavi got rid of him, he will fail at Chelsea!
Comment posted by NotMeEye, at 21:22 1 Sep 2022
Best of luck, always liked him, but he never quite made it.

Thought for a while now, he would be better as a defensive midfielder.
Well imo.

(Which counts for 0)
Comment posted by NB22, at 21:20 1 Sep 2022
Good luck Ainsley, can fill in a number of positions and will help the Saints I'm sure.
Comment posted by Hutch, at 21:54 1 Sep 2022
I hope he gets more game time and shows what he can deliver. His ability to cover several roles meant he never got enough time in any one of them. I'd really like him to return and have a future at Arsenal.
Comment posted by You go Chavez, at 21:25 1 Sep 2022
Is he going to do a Willock and start scoring a goal and a half each game.

Best of Luck Maitland Niles !!!
Reply posted by You go Chavez, at 21:27 1 Sep 2022
You go Chavez replied:
Or maybe if he had gone to France for three years and come back for us to realise what we have been missing.

Why does this sound familiar
Comment posted by Robbo, at 21:15 1 Sep 2022
Good luck AMN!
Comment posted by Gemma, at 21:18 1 Sep 2022
I don't get it... arsenal are very short on midfield options and then loan out player that can play in that role if needed, surely they've got a new player on the horizon.
Reply posted by Logan Dervish, at 21:34 1 Sep 2022
Logan Dervish replied:
Logically that would make sense, but knowing us, we've loaned him out purely for the sake of clearing the books.
Comment posted by goonerjake, at 22:34 1 Sep 2022
Looking a bit short in midfield at 22:34 on 1st sept 22
Comment posted by Mate, at 21:59 1 Sep 2022
If Arsenal dont get Luiz tonight, maybe go back in for him in January and bid half of what we have bidded today, or get him on a free in the summer.
Reply posted by sunningdale5, at 08:26 2 Sep 2022
sunningdale5 replied:
For some reason Aston Villa always play hard ball with Arsenal - it's not as if they ever can be seen as rivals. Such noise made last year when Buendia chose them over Arsenal and they were going to take Arsenal's place in the elite. As you say we will sign him cut price or for free.
Comment posted by Peter, at 21:48 1 Sep 2022
I saw you post a pic of AMN and say it was Edozie 👀
Reply posted by AstroMan, at 21:53 1 Sep 2022
AstroMan replied:
Megan was right about the British press!
Comment posted by Wish for something better, at 21:14 1 Sep 2022
Good luck Ainsely. Hope you get lots of game time and show Arsenal they need to keep you.
Reply posted by El Mik, at 21:28 1 Sep 2022
El Mik replied:
Really? Nowhere near good enough, hence 12th hour loan deal. Nice lad I'm sure but just not at the level.
Comment posted by RDW_SW, at 22:14 1 Sep 2022
Wish AMN the best of luck. Don't quite understand what happened to his career at AFC though. Was in Artetas plans in his 1st season and did well at RB. Big bid from wolves turned down & then he wasn't given a chance after that and loaned out since.
Comment posted by Steve, at 21:25 1 Sep 2022
good luck Mainsley
Comment posted by Deano, at 21:58 1 Sep 2022
Always rated AMN, I hope this works out for him and Arsenal can eventually give him more regular game time
Comment posted by El Mik, at 21:22 1 Sep 2022
Careful Ralph, he only wants to play in midfield.

According to Ainsley that's his best and only position.
Comment posted by Mate, at 22:27 1 Sep 2022
20 games for Arsenal until next window and thats not to mention fa cup, league cup and world cup in between. We have not much depth midfield or upfront
Comment posted by In the name of the game, at 22:05 1 Sep 2022
What happened to Theo Walcott ?
Comment posted by BBC TV, at 21:18 1 Sep 2022
Should be first choice penalty taker!