The Express claim that both Folarin Balogun and Ainsley Maitland-Niles will confirm their loan exits from Arsenal before the end of the week. Balogun is set to join Middlesbrough, while Maitland-Niles is off to Roma.
England international Maitland-Niles has been expected to join Roma on loan for the last few days. But the Serie A side and Arsenal had been unable to agree terms on a permanent fee – so he has simply joined on a dry loan.
It will see Maitland-Niles return to Arsenal in the summer – but Roma might feel they have a chance of nicking him permanently. The Express report that he is currently undergoing a medical in London, before jetting off.
Meanwhile, The Express report that Chris Wilder has finally got his man in Balogun – having tried to sign him on loan at Sheffield United. Both deals are now expected to be confirmed and announced before the weekend.
Middlesbrough and Roma good moves for Arsenal duo?
Balogun simply needs to get out and experience first-team football. If he can prove he can score goals in the Championship, then he is showing other Premier League sides he is worth taking a chance on.
It might be a step too far to say his future is at Arsenal long-term. Eddie Nketiah’s certainly is not, after scoring goals in England’s second tier. For Maitland-Niles, he really needs to earn a permanent exit.
He might just do enough in a decent-ish Roma side to get a move. But the issue Roma have is similar to that of Martin Odegaard – if he impresses, his value will go up. Time will tell if a permanent deal will occur.
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