Arsenal in talks over selling ‘tremendous’ 24-year-old – report

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Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is reportedly the subject of talks over a January switch to Roma.

According to ESPN, the Gunners are in discussions with Jose Mourinho’s side over a loan move with option to buy.

Maitland-Niles came through the ranks at Hale End but remains a fringe player in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side.

The 24-year-old reportedly had a loan switch to Everton blocked on transfer deadline day in summer.

He subsequently posted a message on his Instagram which said: “All I wanna do is go where I’m wanted and where I’m gonna play.”

Arteta held clear-the-air talks with Maitland-Niles, and he stayed put at Arsenal.

However, he’s got just 11 appearances to his name this season, with a mere two Premier League starts.

Now, ESPN claims that Roma director Tiago Pinto has made contact with Arsenal.

He reportedly wants to explore the possibility of signing the Gunners midfielder, who is open to the move.

ESPN quotes sources claiming Roma are eyeing a loan move with an option to make the deal permanent.

Discussions have apparently centred around a four-year contract.

However, no potential fee for a permanent deal has yet been negotiated, added the report.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles leaving Arsenal would suit both parties – TBR View

Maitland-Niles is a talented player who wants senior game time and isn’t getting much of it at present.

Admittedly, Arsenal will be two midfielders down in January. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny will be off to the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nonetheless, it sounds as though Arsenal seem willing to let Maitland-Niles go as well, and really, he should go for his sake.

Peter Crouch has previously deemed him “tremendous” and “fantastic”, while Martin Keown has called him a “Rolls Royce”.

It’s time for him to get regular first-team football, and likewise, Arteta will have an opportunity to give minutes to some of Hale End’s up-and-coming stars.

The likes of Charlie Patino and Salah-Eddine could potentially get more senior game time.