According to reports, Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles has failed to ‘convince’ supporters of Roma as he has not been a ‘valid’ option for Jose Mourinho.
The England international came through the ranks at Arsenal. First-team opportunities for him have been hard to come by in recent seasons.
Maitland-Niles had a spell at West Brom last season before he returned to the Gunners ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Fourth the target but third is achievable for Arteta’s gritty Gunners
The midfielder only played eight times in the Premier League up until the winter transfer window. He was given permission to join Roma on loan in January for the remainder of the season.
This move has not gone to plan though. Last month he was told that he has not ‘made a difference’ for Roma.
Maitland-Niles has been left on the bench for their last three games in Serie A. Siamo La Roma (via Sport Witness) are now claiming that he is ‘not meeting expectations’ under Mourinho.
It is also said that he ‘does not convince’ and he has not proven to be a ‘valid’ option for the Italians.
The 24-year-old has also ‘lost a few positions’ in the standings at Roma. His contract at Arsenal is due to expire in 2023.
”Long may it continue. We’re going to need more goals from other places, as well, but you have to mention the defence.
“Bernd Leno did fantastically well when he came [into the team] today.
“Villa, obviously, didn’t put him under as much pressure as I thought they would. But defensively, midfield – everything was so solid. Arsenal winning games away from home like that is brilliant to see, it’s really good to see.”
Wright has hit back at the critics and named five of the current squad who have impressed him this season.
“A lot of pundits have been very joyous in talking about Arsenal and how weak they are, [having] no leaders. Look at them now… this Arsenal team are a young side, we’re starting to see characters grow in the side.
“We’re starting to see people like Ben White, Gabriel [Magalhaes], Kieran Tierney, [Martin] Odegaard, Thomas Partey. We’re talking about five, six, seven, eight players are getting an eight out of 10 every week. That’s what you have to do.
“And then it’s up to the owners and the manager and the recruitment to bolt on the kind of players that are going to fit in the squad and continue to help them improve.”
