In January, Ainsley Maitland-Niles finally got his move away from Arsenal, having tried to leave the Emirates Stadium all season.
It was the 24-year-old’s agent – Roberto De Fanti – who said that his client had been trying to leave the Gunners since last summer.
After finally securing a loan move to Roma in January, things haven’t exactly gone smoothly for the England international in Italy.
What’s the story?
Well, Maitland-Niles has made five starts in Serie A under José Mourinho, but he hasn’t impressed those in Rome.
Former Roma player Loris Boni said that the Hale End Academy graduate and Sérgio Oliveira haven’t made a big impact at the Stadio Olimpico, but conceded that it isn’t easy to settle.
As quoted by Voce Giallorossa, Boni said: “They haven’t impacted a lot. Maybe they haven’t settled in yet. They have a hard time grasping the type of football in Italy. English and Portuguese football is quite different.”
Elsewhere, Corriere dello Sport also questioned Maitland-Niles, describing him as a “fish out of water” in their latest match ratings.
Arsenal need Ainsley Maitland-Niles to shine
It would make Mikel Arteta’s life a lot easier if Maitland-Niles stepped things up and started to impress in Serie A.
If he continues to flounder, the Gunners will have to find a new move for the versatile Englishman in the summer.
If they fail to do so, it’s back to square one in regards to solving the unhappiness of their unsettled Academy graduate.
However, if he finds some form in Rome, Mourinho will hopefully choose to buy Maitland-Niles on a permanent basis.
That would give the Gunners some more funds to work with in the summer market, while it would also finally put an end to Maitland-Niles pushing to leave the Emirates Stadium.
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