José Mourinho is building an English base at AS Roma

AS Roma head coach José Mourinho has brought in a third English reinforcement to his squad. It is Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who joins the Romans on a six-month loan. He will meet two of his compatriots there already.

During his coaching career, José Mourinho has already worked at three English clubs that play in the Premier League. These are Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham. He has even worked in London twice.

Perhaps for this reason, he has found favour with the English footballers he is now bringing to AS Roma in Italy. Now Arsenal have scouted a player who can play in the centre of the pitch and on the edge of defence. It’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The 24-year-old Englishman will complement defender Chris Smalling, who joined from Manchester United, and Tammy Abraham, who transferred from Chelsea.

The player only comes on a six-month loan deal and the contract did not include a clause with an option for a future transfer. He will therefore most likely return to Arsenal after the season. Now he has the opportunity to prove himself elsewhere to give Mikel Arteta more opportunities in the future.

The lack of game time was the main reason why Maitland-Niles was sent out on loan. Smalling and Abraham have faced the same problem in the past. They were given more opportunities at AS Roma.

Source: Sky Sports