As per Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland Niles is set to join Italian giants AS Roma on a loan deal.
The 24-year-old has risen through the club’s youth system and made a name for himself by playing in multiple positions. But the England international has failed to establish himself on a permanent basis since the arrival of Mikel Arteta.
The report in Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Roma and manager Jose Mourinho want to bring in the player due to the flexibility that the youngster brings to the team. The Italian side want to have their man by the 6th of January before Serie A resumes. But Maitland Niles who recently tested positive for COVID, would have to recover before travelling.
It further claims that the Gunners could get a fee of €500-700k for the loan which includes an option to buy the midfielder for a fee of €10m. Though the north Londoners want a higher fee for the 24-year-old, the deal is close to being completed.
Arsenal Fever View:
While it makes sense for the Englishman to look for a move abroad, it will have a negative impact on the Gunners. With Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny heading for the AFCON, it leaves the team a little light in central midfield.
This would have given the former academy star a chance to shine but it appears that he has set sights on a move abroad. The north Londoners would do well to have a player like Maitland Niles. His athleticism and technical prowess make him a force to reckon with.
Moving to play with Mourinho could do wonders for the England international, if he manages to get more game time. Being able to shine in a new league is a real challenge for anyone but the versatile midfielder is capable of doing that.
Arsenal should look to get a higher fee for Maitland Niles as that would soften the blow of losing him. For now, they have to focus on having a cover when Partey and Elneny leave for international duty. If the Gunners do that, it will help sustain the momentum they have.
Read More: Arsenal fans think Gabriel Martinelli is Thierry Henry in disguise
