Southampton are set to complete the signing of Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles within the next 24 hours, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Southampton win the race

The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season out on loan at AS Roma, but since returning to the Emirates has failed to make an impact under Mikel Arteta and is now likely to be heading for the exit door.

Premier League sides Newcastle United and Bournemouth, alongside the Saints, have all been credited with an interest in the maestro over the past few weeks, but following a breaking update, the Gunners star looks like he’ll be on his way to St. Mary’s.

The Latest: Saints set to sign Maitland-Niles

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Southampton are in the final stages of negotiating a deal to sign Maitland-Niles, with a medical scheduled imminently. He wrote:

“Excl: Southampton are closing in on Ainsley Maitland-Niles deal. It’s set to be completed on loan with buy option as Arsenal contract will be extended.

“Talks ongoing on player side, then medical soon to get the deal done.”

The Verdict: Alongside Gakpo?

Southampton remain in the market for PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo, despite having an initial bid rejected, and snapping up a double deal for the Dutchman and Maitland-Niles would be the perfect way to end the transfer window.

The Gunners talent, dubbed a brilliantly ‘disciplined’ young player by sports journalist Josh Bunting, would offer plenty of versatility having previously operated as a full-back and wing-back as well as in his natural midfield role.

This will be attractive to Ralph Hasenhuttl, who’s been looking to bring in cover for Tino Livramento on the flank, so Maitland-Niles would be a welcome addition on the south coast.