After what feels like an eternity of never-ending rumours and links surrounding Ainsley Maitland-Niles, the Englishman has been allowed the move away from north London after being loaned to Roma for the rest of the season. The deal has gone somewhat under the radar with few links to Roma prior to being announced, with the move seeing the Londoner link up with compatriots Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham.
It’s fair to say Maitland-Niles' Arsenal career has had a few ups and downs, however, in making the switch to Seria A, the Englishman may be able to make the transition from full-back to central midfielder he has seemingly been yearning for.
Roma boss, Jose Mourinho, handed Maitland-Niles his Roma debut in what turned out to be a baptism of fire, ending up on the losing side of a 4-3 thriller at home to Juventus and although the defender didn’t enjoy his finest performance, after a prolonged spell on the sidelines at Arsenal, it may take time to regain match sharpness.
Maitland-Niles has proved a useful player in the past, even being a regular for the Gunners at one point, so if "The Special One" can get him playing weekly, he could prove an important addition in Roma’s hunt for European football.