Alex Iwobi has posted on Instagram that it is ‘big’ that Ainsley-Maitland Niles has left Arsenal for Roma on a loan deal.
Added with the Everton winger, his former teammate, Mesut Ozil, also reacted to the versatile midfielder heading to Italy.
The Fenerbahce playmaker added ‘good luck my bro’, as Maitland-Niles posted on Instagram that he ‘can’t wait’ to get started with the Serie A giants.
As reported by Sky Sports, it’s just a straight six-month loan for Maitland-Niles, who is looking to kick start his career.
In the summer, there was talk about the Hale-End academy product leaving, but he stayed put and his game time didn’t change that much.
Maitland-Niles has only earned two Premier League starts this season and it’s understandable why Mikel Arteta has now allowed him to leave.
Just over 12 months go, he was earning his first few caps for England and now, heading into the World Cup year, he is nowhere near Gareth Southgate’s plans.
This loan deal is an ample chance for Maitland-Niles to put his name back up in lights and showcase his talent to the world.
There are a number of English players already playing for Jose Mourinho at Roma, including Tammy Abraham and Chris Smalling.
Abraham, who left Chelsea for Roma in the summer, recently returned to the Three Lions set-up, so there’s no reason why Maitland-Niles can’t follow suit.
Plus, he is working for one of the best coaches in Mourinho, who will eek out every bit of quality from the player given his very demanding ways.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
