AS Roma have submitted an offer and an ultimatum to Arsenal over Ainsley Maitland-Niles, as they hope to complete a loan move.
David Ornstein wrote on Monday that AS Roma have submitted a bid to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan with an option to buy, but Arsenal are yet to reply.
Roma reportedly want the deal done quickly, or they’ll move onto other targets. Maitland-Niles wants to join Roma or stay at Arsenal, with no other clubs on his radar right now.
The Daily Mail report that Maitland-Niles is set for face-to-face talks with Mikel Arteta to resolve his situation after Roma’s offer of a loan with an option.
Di Marzio claim Roma have an agreement with Maitland-Niles, but there’s still no consensus between the two clubs.
According to the Italian outlet, Roma’s offer remains a loan with a €10m option to buy. They’re in a rush to close the deal, but Arsenal are hesitating and won’t give a definitive answer.
Roma want an answer within 72 hours, and given the Di Marzio article was posted on Monday, that gives us until Thursday.
Corriere della Sera reported earlier this week that there’s still no agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of Maitland-Niles.
According to that report, Arsenal are adamant they won’t accept less than €15m for Maitland-Niles’ purchase clause, whilst Roma want to pay €10m. If true, Roma’s latest ultimatum is unlikely to achieve much.
Plus, simply from a common-sense point of view, Arsenal aren’t likely to be rushed on Maitland-Niles’ case with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny away at AFCON.
If anything, they’ll be significantly more likely to sell or loan Maitland-Niles in two weeks – when the current fixture congestion eases.
Right now, it’s hard to be optimistic this deal is going to get over the line in the next few days.