Roma have reportedly entered talks with Arsenal over a loan move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the January transfer window.
The Gunners academy graduate had a loan switch to Everton blocked last summer, which led to the player venting his frustrations on social media.
Maitland-Niles has been afforded some opportunities to play in his favoured midfield position this season, but he hasn’t been able to land a regular starting berth in the centre of the park.
With Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga ahead of him in the pecking order, speculation over his future at the north London club has been ramping up.
ESPN now report that Roma’s sporting director Tiago Pinto has contacted Arsenal to enquire about taking the 24-year-old on loan.
The Italian club, who are managed by former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, want to suggest the idea of a loan transfer with an option to buy.
A four-year contract is being discussed and Maitland-Niles is said to be open to the move, but at this stage, there has been no indication of a possible fee should the deal become permanent.
The report also states that Everton have retained their interest in the versatile midfielder.
Arsenal may be short on midfielders in January, with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Arteta has played down the chances of the club looking for a short-term fix to bolster their options in the position in January.
‘I don’t think we are going to be able to sign players just for this short period of time,’ said Arteta.
‘I think it’s a little bit unrealistic. But we will sit down now and make the right decision if we can.’
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