Maitland-Niles wanted to leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window, but was convinced to stay put.
He is keen for more playing time in the second half of the season and is wanted in Italy, with Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto in talks with Arsenal to agree a deal based on an initial loan with an obligation to buy in the event certain conditions are met.
According to Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, Abraham has played a key role in turning Maitland-Niles’ head towards Roma.
The former Chelsea striker has spoken to the midfielder, who he is friends with, and convinced him that heading to Italy would be a good move.
Maitland-Niles would bolster Jose Mourinho’s options ahead of the second half of the Serie A campaign.
Mourinho has Roma sitting in sixth spot in the Serie A standings, six points off fourth placed Atalanta.
They are next in action away at AC Milan on 6th January and it remains to be seen if Maitland-Niles is through the door ahead of the meeting with the Rossoneri.
