Roma 'in talks with Arsenal over Ainsley Maitland-Niles deal'

Roma are reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a possible deal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The versatile Englishman issued a come-and-get-me plea on social media over the summer due to his lack of playing time before holding clear-the-air talks with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

Maitland-Niles has featured eight times in the Premier League this season, but he only started two of those matches and has been an unused substitute in four of his side's last six top-flight encounters.

As a result, the 24-year-old is supposedly keen to secure an exit in January, and The Athletic reports that Roma are hoping to sign the Arsenal man on loan next month.

The report adds that Everton also remain interested after a failed swoop in the most recent transfer window, but Maitland-Niles would prefer a move to Jose Mourinho's side.

Maitland-Niles boasts three goals and eight assists from 132 appearances in an Arsenal shirt but missed the 5-1 EFL Cup win over Sunderland due to non-COVID-related illness, which he has since recovered from.

The former Ipswich Town and West Bromwich Albion loanee sees his deal at the Emirates expire in 2023.