Arsenal in talks with Roma over Ainsley Maitland-Niles loan transfer in January as Jose Mourinho targets midfielder

AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES could be set for a January loan move to Roma after ‘contact’ has reportedly been made with Arsenal.

A move to Everton in the summer failed to materialise after he angrily took to social media expressing his intentions to play regular football.

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Roma have ‘made contact’ with Arsenal over a move for Maitland-Niles[/caption]

And after limited opportunities during the first half of the season, ESPN report that Roma are keen on a January move for the 24-year-old.

Club sporting director Tiago Pinto is claimed to favour an initial six-month loan deal, with the option of making it a permanent transfer.

A four-year contract has been touted, although negotiations for a future permanent fee are yet to progress.

A move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma would make him the second Englishman, after Tammy Abraham, to swap London for the Italian capital.

Everton though are still thought to maintain their interest, and could rival Roma for Maitland-Niles’ signature.

He has not played for Arsenal since November 20 and is said to be open to a move in order to pursue his career elsewhere.

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He’s started just twice in the Premier League so far this campaign, and twice in the Carabao Cup.

In total he’s played 132 times for the club since joining the academy at the age of just six.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta praised Maitland-Niles earlier this season after clear-the-air talks saw the five-cap England international stay at the club.

Maitland-Niles was forced to train on his own after writing on Instagram: “All I wanna do is go where I’m wanted and where I’m gonna play @arsenal.” 

But matters were calmed, and Arteta gushed: “I see a different player in terms of his urgency, his commitment and the clarity in his play and purpose.

“Since we made the decision I was clear with what I was seeing, I wanted him to stay because he was going to be useful.

“He has a huge talent which is he is versatile enough to adapt to any position on the pitch.”

Now though his time with the North Londoners could be coming to an end.

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