Ainsley Maitland-Niles is preparing to undergo a medical with Olympique Lyonnais ahead of a free transfer to the club, according to a report.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Southampton passes the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at Friends Provident St. Mary's Stadium on April 27, 2023 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Southampton passes the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at Friends Provident St. Mary’s Stadium on April 27, 2023. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports reports that Ainsley Maitland-Niles is getting ready to travel to Lyon for a medical early next week, after agreeing terms in principle for a four-year deal with the Ligue 1 side.

The Beautiful Game Podcast had broken the news on Saturday that Maitland-Niles was set to join Lyon on a deal to 2027, with the player reportedly very excited by the new challenge.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed talks were moving to the final stages for the free transfer, with Maitland-Niles having come to the end of his Arsenal contract this summer.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Southampton warms up prior to the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on January 14, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Southampton warms up prior to the Premier League match between Everton FC and Southampton FC at Goodison Park on January 14, 2023. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

L’Equipe report in their print edition on Sunday, August 6th that Maitland-Niles is indeed on the way to Lyon, and he’s set to play in midfield for the side.

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As Arsenal fans will be well aware, Maitland-Niles has played a number of different roles throughout his career so far, with a long-running debate about whether he’s better off at full-back or in midfield.

But it seems Lyon intend to use the former Gunner in a defensive midfield role this season, which should suit the play himself. The England international has always stated he prefers to operate in midfield.

Southampton's English midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles (L) vies with Bournemouth's English defender Lloyd Kelly (R) during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on April 27, 2023.(Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s English midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles (L) vies with Bournemouth’s English defender Lloyd Kelly (R) during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, southern England on April 27, 2023. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Maitland-Niles had plenty of interest from around Europe and beyond before deciding on Lyon.

Clubs in Germany, Portugal, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia had made contact, whilst Sheffield United and Luton Town were looking to keep him in the Premier League.

The Beautiful Game Podcast had previously reported that Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab FC were showing a strong interest, and he was also reportedly a target for West Ham United.

But in the end, it looks like the Arsenal academy graduate is set for a reunion with Alexandre Lacazette in France.

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