Everton interested in Ainsley Maitland-Niles

According to Sky Sports reporters Mark McAdam and Vinny O’Connor, Everton are interested in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Olympique Lyon this summer. The Toffees are believed to have explored a deal for Maitland-Niles four years ago, while he still played for Arsenal.

Everton boss David Moyes appreciates the qualities of the 27-year-old right-back, who can also play in midfield, and made 43 appearances for Lyon in 2024/25. Maitland-Niles’ experience in the Premier League – a total of 109 games in the English top flight, including loan spells with West Bromwich Albion and Southampton – is obviously a crucial factor in Moyes’ reasoning as he seeks to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Maitland-Niles, who has two years left on his contract with the Ligue 1 side, is said to be open to playing in the Premier League again. Back in his Arsenal days, he earned five caps as an England international, though his ability to fight his way back into the national side, now under the command of Thomas Tuchel, is arguably doubtful.