Maitland-Niles set for AS Roma loan transfer

Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set for a shock loan transfer to Italian Serie A side AS Roma. Maitland-Niles has struggled for regular first-team football under manager Mikel Arteta, and is seeking a move elsewhere.

With the player's options set to continue to remain limited, the England international hopeful wants to pursue a transfer elsewhere, and the lure of former Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho appears difficult to turn down.

Roma are ready to pay Arsenal a fee of £500,000 for six months and will cover the player's wages for the duration of the loan period.

Several English teams have been monitoring the availability of Maitland-Niles, with Championship duo West Brom and Fulham amongst those interested. Premier League rivals Newcastle United have also expressed interest.

Roma will have the first-option to sign Maitland-Niles on a permanent basis in the summer, with a deal set to be agreed for a fee of around £17.5 million for a transfer.

Maitland-Niles is said to be delighted with the opportunity to link up with close friend Tammy Abraham in Rome.