AS Roma are reportedly not pleased with Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who has performed well below the expectations the club predicted from the England international.
Siamo la Roma claim that the Serie A club are fuming with how the versatile Hale End academy graduate has conducted himself since moving to the Italian capital in the January transfer window.
As per the report, Maitland-Niles is ‘failing to meet expectations’ with Jose Mourinho’s side, with the 24-year-old yet to nail down a starting XI spot despite Roma looking like an ideal match for the Arsenal player.
Maitland-Niles is highly expected to leave Arsenal this summer after going out on loan twice over the past two seasons, with Mikel Arteta struggling to find a place for the midfielder in his squad despite his role as a utility player.
The 24-year-old has flourished at both right-back and left-back for Arsenal in recent seasons as well as out on the wing or in a wing-back role. However, since joining Roma on loan, Maitland-Niles has struggled massively for form.
Indeed, the news will come as a blow for coaches at Arsenal, with Maitland-Niles often viewed as a player who could have excelled at the club. Yet since moving to Italy, the performances have just not been there from the England international.
Maitland-Niles’ Roma loan spell could lower his value this summer
Arsenal look set for another summer sale this year, with Maitland-Niles one of the players who could fetch a pretty penny for the north London side, yet his performances for Roma this season could see his value take a downward turn.
As an academy player, Arsenal stand to make a huge profit off Maitland-Niles, yet with his spell at Roma quickly turning into a nightmare, there’s a chance the Gunners could have to sell the midfielder for another middling fee, as has been the case for many sales over the years.
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