Maitland-Niles close to joining Roma after landing in Italy

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has arrived in Italy ahead of his loan switch from Arsenal to Roma.

The 24-year-old is set to join Roma on a temporary basis until the end of the season and it is anticipated that he will make his debut in Sunday’s Serie A game at home to Juventus.

Maitland-Niles was seen posing for photographers after leaving the airport in Rome before getting into a car.

This season Maitland-Niles has only played 90 minutes once in the Premier League as he has struggled to command a regular starting berth.

Although he prefers to play in midfield, Maitland-Niles’ versatility could prove to be very useful for Roma boss Jose Mourinho.

Maitland-Niles is capable of playing as a wing-back on either flank and he is likely to relish the prospect of regular playing time, while he will join fellow Englishmen Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham at Roma.

Mourinho’s side are currently in seventh place in Serie A and will hope that Maitland-Niles’ arrival will provide them with a boost.

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A product of Arsenal’s academy, Maitland-Niles has made 132 senior appearances for the club.

In the second half of last season he had a loan spell at West Brom and it seemed likely he would leave Arsenal permanently last summer but he ended up staying.

Maitland-Niles’ loan move leaves Arsenal rather short of midfield options at present, especially with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny away at the Africa Cup of Nations.