Gunner outcast linked to Hammers

West Ham are being linked with Arsenal outcast Ainsley Maitland-Niles at a time when it is known they are keenly negotiating a deal with Lyon for top midfielder Lucas Paqueta.

According to The Sun the 24 year old Gunner – having returned to Arsenal after a spell on loan at Roma – has been offered to us, Saints and Bournemouth.

However, it now seems certain that David Moyes has given a thumbs down to the offer of a player unwanted by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta after casting eyes not only at current priority Paqueta but also Club Brugge ace Hans Vanaken, and Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.

Roma boss Jose Mourinho was unimpressed with Maitland-Niles and Arteta is now doing his best to shift a player who is out of contract next summer.

But there seems to be no chance whatsoever of the player arriving at the London Stadium given the current cirumstances in the window.