Roma chief confirms imminent Ainsley Maitland-Niles move

Roma director Tiago Pinto has confirmed that the club are close to announcing the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal.

The 24-year-old remained in North London for the 2021-22 season despite trying to force an exit, but he has consistently struggled for opportunities under Mikel Arteta.

Roma are believed to have agreed a deal to take Maitland-Niles on loan for the remainder of the season, and Pinto has confirmed that the Englishman's arrival is imminent while also playing down links with Porto's Sergio Oliveira.

"We're close to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal. Sergio Oliveira? I can't say anything else, it's not the correct moment," Pinto told the press, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

The deal is not believed to include an option or obligation to buy, but Roma could supposedly try to agree a permanent move in the summer if Maitland-Niles's loan spell goes well.

The versatile midfielder has only started two Premier League games this season and has not played a single minute in the top flight since the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in November.