Southampton and Leicester City want Arsenal midfielder

Southampton and Leicester City have expressed an interest in signing Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer.

The 23-year-old fell out-of-favour under Mikel Arteta during the first half of last season, and was loaned out to West Bromwich Albion in January.

He is now back with the north London club, but reports claim that he is likely to be sold in order to recoup funds for new signings.

According to BBC Sport, Maitland-Niles is on the radar of the Foxes and Saints, who were keen on signing him earlier this year.

The Foxes made an approach that was turned down by the Gunners. They did not want to strengthen their challengers for European football.

On the other hand, the Saints were snubbed by Maitland-Niles as he wanted to play in midfield rather than in the full-back positions.

Both clubs are now in the running to sign him permanently. The Gunners are likely to demand around £20 million to sanction his sale.