Arsenal could cost Ainsley Maitland-Niles a January transfer to Roma, as Jose Mourinho’s side are now considering Eintracht Frankfurt ace Almamy Toure, according Calciomercato.
Maitland-Niles seemed set to switch north London for Rome in the winter sales, with the England international agreeing personal terms. The Gunners had also shown a willingness to negotiate with the Giallorossi, but have placed a hurdle in their path.
Arsenal are refusing to lower their valuation of Maitland-Niles from €15m (£12.5m), which Roma deem too much for his transfer. Instead, the Stadio Olimpico natives are only willing to offer €10m (£8.5m) to turn a half-season loan permanent next summer.
Roma are still optimistic of reaching an agreement with Arsenal for Maitland-Niles to move to Italy next month. But CEO Tiago Pinto is putting plans in place for a Plan-B just in case.
Mourinho expects Pinto to secure him a new option to play at full-back early in the winter market. If that is not Maitland-Niles, then Pinto will turn to Germany for Eintracht’s Toure.
Roma eye Eintracht’s Toure as January transfer Plan-B to Arsenal’s Maitland-Niles
Pinto has made Eintracht Frankfurt’s out-and-out full-back Toure his top alternative in case Roma cannot secure a transfer for Arsenal’s versatile midfielder Maitland-Niles in January.
The Giallorossi would have a clear path to sign the 25-year-old from Die Adler next month. He has only started three of his seven Bundesliga outings this term and none since October.
Eintracht would also let Toure join Roma on loan with an option to buy below €8m (£7m). While the former France U21 international would also not occupy a non-EU squad role.
So, a transfer for Eintracht’s Toure, rather than Arsenal’s Maitland-Niles – who Mikel Arteta called ‘unique’, via football.london – would allow Mourinho to sign another English player.
Arsenal do not necessarily have to accept Roma’s lower offer for a permanent transfer to sell Maitland-Niles. While his contract expires in 2023, 90min note multiple Premier League clubs have expressed their interest in the Hale Ender. Arteta is also willing to let him leave.
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