Southampton and Watford are reportedly eyeing moves for Ainsley Maitland-Niles amid uncertainty surrounding his Arsenal future.

The versatile Englishman struggled to get a look-in under Mikel Arteta during the first half of the 2020-21 season, and he was shipped out on loan to West Bromwich Albion for the remainder of the campaign.

Maitland-Niles was a regular for Sam Allardyce but could not save the Baggies from relegation, although he has affirmed that he is prepared to kiss Arsenal goodbye if he is not guaranteed assurances over his playing time.

Now, The Mirror reports that Arsenal would be open to letting the 23-year-old leave, which has put Southampton and newly-promoted Watford on red alert.

Maitland-Niles graduated from Arsenal's youth academy and has since made 121 appearances for the first team, scoring three goals and setting up seven more in the process.