Roma 'still short of Arsenal's Ainsley Maitland-Niles asking price'

Roma are reportedly still around €5m (£4.2m) short of Arsenal's asking price for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Recent reports suggested that the Serie A outfit are closing in on a loan deal for Maitland-Niles, who is keen to leave Arsenal in search of more regular first-team football.

The Gunners are open to letting the 24-year-old leave, but want an obligation to buy included in any loan agreement.

Corriere della Sera claims that the two clubs are still some way apart in negotiations over the fee for any such obligation to buy.

Arsenal are reportedly holding out for €15m (£12.6m), whereas Roma are unwilling to raise their current offer of €10m (£8.4m).

Maitland-Niles was keen to leave the Emirates Stadium last summer but was convinced to stay in the hope of featuring more often in Mikel Arteta's plans.

However, the versatile midfielder has started just two Premier League games all season.