NOTTINGHAM FOREST are considering a swoop for Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The versatile England international has just completed a loan stint in Italy at Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Maitland-Niles spent the second half of the season in the Italian capital on a temporary deal from the Gunners.
The 24-year-old made 12 appearances in all competitions under Mourinho.
Despite the move not being a resounding success, Jose Mourinho still thanked Maitland-Niles for his efforts during his time at the club.
The Arsenal man posted a picture of himself holding the Europa Conference League trophy to Instagram as he bid farewell to Roma, with the Special One reposting the snap on his own account and writing: “We will miss you. One of us.”
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Mourinho's message all but confirms Roma will not be making a permanent move for Maitland-Niles this summer.
However, The Mirror states that newly-promoted Nottingham Forest could make a move.
Steve Cooper’s side still hope to try and secure last season’s loan sensation Djed Spence on a permanent signing.
But it seems that Tottenham are leading the charge to snap-up the £20m-rated wing-back.
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And that has led Forest to look elsewhere, with Maitland-Niles now emerging as their preferred option.
This fresh report states that they have already contacted Arsenal with regards to a possible transfer.
Maitland-Niles only has 12 months remaining on his Gunners contract and, after being deemed surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta, they will likely be keen to cash in rather than lose him for nothing next year.
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