Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles will be leaving the club to join Roma until at least the end of the season. Negotiations have been carried out over the past few weeks, and a final agreement is now in place between the two clubs.
The player will be completing his medical in the coming hours after flying to Italy, to finalise his move. According to renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal will receive a loan fee worth €500k for him. An add-on for the same amount is also on the table.
The transfer is a simple loan deal, with no buy option included at the moment. However, the two clubs could arrange a meeting to discuss a permanent transfer in the future. The Serie A club are going to pay his full salary as long as he is on loan with them.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles leaving is good news for all parties
With so many options available ahead of him, Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ departure is good news for the player, first and foremost. He will have a chance to get more playing time under Jose Mourinho.
Deal set to be completed for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to join AS Roma on straight loan move from Arsenal. No buy option included. Just final details to be agreed on player side then Ainsley will fly to Rome. 🏴🤝 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 4, 2022
Negotiation started weeks ago – and now all set to be signed. https://t.co/iaVLr6OkB4
Moreover, Arsenal are also getting rid of a fringe player and are making room for new talent to join their squad. While they might have to turn to other youngsters in the squad during AFCON, the adjustment will be temporary.
Folarin Balogun, another Arsenal youngster, could also be on the verge of a loan move since he has found playing time limited. Middlesbrough are reportedly asking for the player, with a decision yet to be made by the Arsenal board.
