OFFICIAL: Arteta Confirm Maitland-Niles Roma Loan Move

Arteta Speaking ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie at Nottingham Forest confirmed the Transfer.

 This He  said: "Ainsley came to me and explained reasons why he thought the best thing for his career is to move away and the opportunity in Rome and working under Jose (Mourinho) was good one. 

 "We already had this conversation in the summer and said to reassess in December.

 Given the minutes he has played, he was entitled to that opportunity, so we decided to let him go and we wish him the best. 

 "When a player has strong argument like he had, it's very difficult to turn him away.

 "We're very shot at the moment, but this shouldn't be the only reason for keeping a player. 

Ainsley has been developed and raised through our academy and was very patient in many moments in trying to fulfil his dream.

 "He was very straight with me and I understood the situation. 

Obviously, we're going to move and look for options as we're very shot there."

Source: Sky Sports