Ainsley Maitland-Niles seals switch to Olympique Lyonnais from Arsenal
Ainsley Maitland-Niles Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
Olympique Lyonnais has successfully signed English international Ainsley Maitland-Niles for a contract extending four seasons.
The midfielder, who recently concluded his tenure with Arsenal, was a free agent before committing himself to the French club till June 30, 2027.
Maitland-Niles joined Arsenal's youth academy at a tender age of 6 and the young talent swiftly climbed the ranks.
He made his debut against Galatasaray in the Champions League on December 9, 2014.
The 2015/2016 season saw him on loan to Ipswich, making 32 appearances in the Championship.
With an U20 World Cup victory in 2017 for England, Maitland-Niles continued to feature at Arsenal, subsequently earning the coveted national team call-up.
He subsequently went on loan to West Bromwich Albion, AS Roma and Southampton.
During his Arsenal era, he celebrated 132 appearances and lifted 4 trophies, including two FA Cups and two Community Shields.
With over 200 professional matches to his name, Maitland-Niles is set to become the first English player to represent Olympique Lyonnais.
This is the fourth signing of this summer transfer window for the club. He joins the ranks along with Skelly Alvero, Clinton Mata, and Duje Caleta-Car.
Upon sealing the deal, Maitland-Niles expressed his elation: "I am very happy to sign here. If someone had told me at the age of 6 that I would one day be at Olympique Lyonnais, I could never have imagined it! I absolutely had to seize this opportunity."
He added, "My favorite position? Midfield. I hope to establish myself in this position, but I am ready to work anywhere to help the team."
