Roma make transfer decision on Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Roma have decided against a permanent deal for Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, The Mirror reports.

The England international is currently on loan with the Giallorossi where he has already made six appearances in all competitions.

He has been nearly ever-present under manager Jose Mourinho, but the hierarchy are not convinced over a permanent move.

The Serie A outfit have the option to sign him between £8 million and £12 million, but are unlikely to trigger the buy clause.

Instead, they could turn their focus towards fellow Gunners midfielder Granit Xhaka after a failed approach last summer.

Xhaka had agreed personal terms with the Giallorossi, but they could not negotiate a suitable transfer fee with the Gunners.

Roma were working on a limited transfer budget last summer, but Mourinho will be backed with a kitty of nearly €100 million this time around.

Aside from Xhaka, the Portuguese tactician has his sights on reuniting with out-of-favour Manchester United defender Eric Bailly.