In an attempt to try and avoid a repeat of the Granit Xhaka saga, AS Roma have reached a compromise with Arsenal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The 24-year-old is now close to being their first signing of the January transfer window, with both Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport reporting that a move is just around the corner.
In fact, they both explain that documents were exchange on Tuesday night, with the former stating that the player is ‘expected to undergo medical examinations in London’ on Wednesday and then ‘immediately land in Italy’.
The deal will be a ‘dry loan’, meaning no option to buy, which will initially cost AS Roma €500k up front, with another €500k to be had through bonuses.
Corriere, down their end, believe the deal is so close that Maitland-Niles ‘could already be called up for Sunday’s match against Juventus’ if all goes to plan.
Any potential future fee ‘will be decided during the season’, meaning the two clubs will likely keep in touch over the now right-back, as he is expected to rotate with Rick Karsdorp in the role.
Maitland-Niles is said to have ‘spoken with Arteta yesterday morning to ask him to let him leave’, which ended up being ‘decisive’ for the OK to arrive in the afternoon.
The desire of an exit stems from him being ‘convinced’ by the idea of playing under José Mourinho, telling the Portuguese manager on the phone that he was ‘thrilled to be working with him’.
