In a major development in the transfer market, Olympique Lyon is poised to secure the signing of Ainsley Maitland-Niles on a free transfer. The news was confirmed by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that the 25-year-old English midfielder is on the verge of joining the French club on a four-year deal.
Talks between the player and Lyon are said to be in the final stages, indicating that the move is close to being finalized.
Olympique Lyon are now on the verge of signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles on free transfer, confirmed — as reported by @Podcast_TBG. 🚨🔴🔵 #OL
Four year deal verbally agreed, talks moving to the final stages.
AMN, available as free agent after leaving Arsenal in June. pic.twitter.com/hyT12qHRlV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2023
Maitland-Niles’ departure from Arsenal comes as no surprise, as manager Mikel Arteta had made it clear that the talented Hale End graduate was not part of his plans for the upcoming season. As a result, the Gunners chose not to extend the player’s contract, making him a free agent after leaving the club in June.
Last season, the Englishman spent a loan spell at Southampton, where he had a rather average campaign. This led to limited interest from other clubs for the 25-year-old’s services. However, it seems that he has found a promising new home at Lyon, a club that finished 7th in the French league last season.
With this move, the versatile midfielder will be aiming to play a pivotal role in helping Lyon secure a European qualification spot for the next season.
🔴⚪️ | 🚨 Former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles closing in on a move to Lyon. 4-year-deal believed to be agreed. ✍️
25-year-old joins on a free transfer after his contract with the Gunners expired this summer. Fresh challenge in France could be brilliant move for him.… pic.twitter.com/hUcOXmO2CY
— Punch Drunk Arsenal (@PunchDrunkAFC) August 5, 2023
Throughout his career, Maitland-Niles has been plagued by uncertainty about his best position on the field. While he impressed as a right-back at times, he always maintained that his preferred position was in midfield. However, at Arsenal, he found it challenging to secure regular minutes in his preferred role, indicating that the club’s management didn’t view him as a starting midfielder.
Arsenal fans will undoubtedly send their best wishes to Maitland-Niles as he embarks on a new chapter in his career. The player has showcased potential at times, but it’s fair to say that he hasn’t fully unlocked his capabilities just yet. With a fresh start at Lyon, Maitland-Niles will have the opportunity to prove himself and reach his true potential in a new environment.
Writer – Yash Bisht
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I wish AMN all the best in his sojourn.
I hope ANN realises his potential
Somewhere there is still a player in him, even during his reported decline there was a game between Southampton vs Chelsea, he comfortable had Mudryk and company in his back pocket in fact Chelsea had to abort the idea of attacking on the left
The game ended with both team sharing the spoils.
Maybe a change in environment is what he really needs, I for one would not be surprised he spring to life in the French league.
That’s a clever move by the Lyon outfit
As predicted, a Real Madrid and Bayern Munich passed up the opportunity then ? Lol
I’ll never forget when a reader debated he was better then Kante
What an insult
The fan may have gotten a little carried with the Kante comparison, but there was a point in his career he looks like he was developing to be something great
Just think he may have lack competent people in his corner.
Where was he ever looking great as a midfielder ?
That has always been his problem, apart from Big Sam, he is a midfielder in his stubborn head only.
He would have attained great heights similar to kante if he had the right attitude and family back ground.i feel sorry for him as he was such a promising talent,age is still on his side though hopefully he makes use of it.