Sheffield United and Luton Town are interested in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer following his release from Arsenal but it seems like he is close to signing for Lyon.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Ainsley Maitland-Niles during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with Ainsley Maitland-Niles during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas reports that Ainsley Maitland-Niles is taking his time to assess his options after leaving Arsenal as a free agent, but he has plenty of interest from around Europe and beyond.

Clubs in Germany, Portugal, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have shown an interest in the former Gunner, whilst Sheffield United and Luton Town are both looking to keep him in the Premier League.

Sky Sports claim Trabzonspor were one of the clubs from Turkey to make an offer, and three clubs in Saudi Arabia have also sent proposals to the 25-year-old.

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)

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

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Back in April, whilst still on loan with Southampton Maitland-Niles publicly confirmed that he was set to leave Arsenal this summer.

“It’s been a great journey but it has come to an end now (at Arsenal),” he told the media. “It’s time for a fresh start and to find a new home.”

The player was then reportedly invited back to Arsenal to say his goodbyes.

Maitland-Niles had expressed some interest in staying with Southampton, but his loan side were then relegated, and it doesn’t appear that they made him an offer.

Now, it is being reported that he is ‘on the verge’ of signing for Alexandre Lacazette’s Olympique Lyon.

 

After completing his Arsenal exit, Maitland-Niles reflected fondly on his spell with the club.

“The trophy wins would probably be the best moments for me…The FA Cup final was a fantastic day that will always stick in my mind, and I was happy to be a part of the team that won it,” the 25-year-old said.

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) watches as Arsenal's English midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles takes a throw in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 16, 2020. (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA / POOL / AFP)
Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) watches as Arsenal’s English midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles takes a throw in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 16, 2020. (Photo by PETER CZIBORRA / POOL / AFP)

“There have been some lifetime relationships that I’ve built since I’ve been here. I can only be thankful for the people that have come into my life and helped me since I’ve been here at the club.

“I’ll always be here to support the team and the boys and hopefully they can win something in the future.

“For any supporters out there, just be true to the team. They’ve come a very, very long way this season and it’s been fantastic to watch. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner!”

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