Arsenal loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles will return to the Premier League in the summer after Roma decided against triggering his buy-out clause. As reported by the Daily Mirror, the versatile English star will end his short-term spell in Serie A at the end of the season.
After experiencing a torrid first half of the season at Arsenal, Maitland-Niles joined Roma on a six-month loan in the winter transfer window. The 24-year-old has racked up nine appearances for the Giallorossi in all competitions so far, but Jose Mourinho seems unimpressed by his showings.
Despite his well-documented versatility and tactical prowess, the Englishman has delivered a mixed bag of performances at Roma. The main reason behind Maitland-Niles’ arrival was the long-term injury picked up by Leonardo Spinazzola at Euro 2020.
However, the Italy international is edging closer towards a long-awaited return to action. Spinazzola’s comeback would whittle down Maitland-Niles’ first-team opportunities at Roma, hence the Serie A outfit’s decision not to make his move permanent.
Roma’s rejection will prompt the versatile midfielder’s return to Arsenal, where he is unlikely to stay for long. Mikel Arteta hopes to clear out the Gunners squad in the summer. Maitland-Niles will fall victim to the Spaniard’s plans to overhaul his team.
Arsenal turned down Everton’s £10m bid for their fringe star before sanctioning his loan switch to Roma. But with Maitland-Niles’ contract at the Emirates running out in 2023, a similar offer could do the trick in the upcoming transfer window.
Maitland-Niles has registered 132 appearances for the Gunners since making his senior breakthrough in December 2014. Unfortunately, he has never established himself at Arsenal.
After three loan spells at Ipswich Town, West Bromwich Albion and Roma, he could finally sever ties with the London powerhouse.