BBC Radio Solent reporter Adam Blackmore has revealed on Twitter that Southampton have now ended their pursuit of Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles after becoming frustrated with how negotiations were going.
Southampton have ended their interest in Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles, after becoming increasingly frustrated in negotiations with his reps#saintsfc will continue to pursue other targets between now & 11pm
— Adam Blackmore (@AdamBlackmore) February 1, 2021
The Saints had been hoping to secure the signing of Maitland-Niles before the window closes and had been in talks with Arsenal over the prospect of bringing him to St Mary’s. It had been reported that Southampton were the Gunners’ preferred destination for the 23-year-old, with Leicester City also having been interested.
However, according to Blackmore’s update, the Saints have now pulled out of the negotiations for him after they became increasingly frustrated with representatives trying to sort out the potential late deal. The journalist also confirmed that the south coast club will now focus their attention on moves for other targets before the window shuts tonight.
The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon has also tweeted that Maitland-Niles was not sold on the idea of moving to St Mary’s, which suggests that the Saints were always likely to struggle to convince him to agree personal terms even if they had been successful in negotiating a deal.
#SaintsFC have pulled out of talks to sign #AFC’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The player wasn’t sold on the idea of joining the St Mary’s side. Saints will now need to seek an alternative before the window closes at 11pm as they couldn’t keep waiting for Arsenal player.
— Dan Sheldon (@Dan_Sheldon_) February 1, 2021
Read Southampton verdict
This is a major blow for the Saints, with Maitland-Niles having been strongly linked to them throughout the last few hours. Time is running out for them now to try and get signings over the line, and it is frustrating that their pursuit of the England international has proven to be a dead end.
The Arsenal man obviously did not fancy the move, so at least the Saints can now move onto a potential signing who would be willing to come to the club.
