New Palace manager Pierre Sage worked with Maitland-Niles at Lyon, where the 28-year-old has settled into a familiar utility role.
Crystal Palace could bring former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles back to the Premier League.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who believe that Maitland-Niles is high on new Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage’s wishlist.
Sage worked with him at Lyon and played him 50 times before he was sacked in January 2025.
Maitland-Niles joined Lyon in 2023 and has a contract until 2027. He is now at the point where Lyon have to decide whether to sell him or renew his deal. There has been no sign an extension is on the cards.
He is currently valued at around €10m, having reached a peak value of €18m in 2020.
Maitland-Niles time in London was marked with frustration at being used as a utility player and full-back, when he preferred to play in midfield.
In France, however, he has settled into a similar type of role.
At Lyon, the 28-year-old has played 68 times at right-back, 12 times at right midfield, three times at left-back and three times in central midfield. He has also appeared on the right wing, left wing, defensive midfield and attacking midfield.
That versatility, and Mailtland-Niles’ familiarty with the Premier League, appears to be part of the attraction for Palace as Sage looks at a player he already knows well.
- Arsenal sign Real Betis Head of RehabArsenal have signed Real Betis rehabilitation specialist Eneko Angulo, with the Spanish club losing a highly rated figure from their medical team.
- Ex-Gunner in advanced talks for vacant managerial positionAaron Ramsey is in advanced talks with Oxford United as the former Arsenal midfielder prepares to begin his managerial career.
- Arsenal face 19yo decision after Swedish club make contactLucas Martin Nygaard is attracting HBK interest after a positive loan spell, but Arsenal may have other plans for the 19-year-old.
- Midfielder wants Arsenal over Tottenham as Spurs prepare 2nd bidTottenham are preparing a fresh bid for Sandro Tonali, but Arsenal may have the advantage if they decide to move.
- Arsenal make £100m Villa man number 1 targetMorgan Rogers is reportedly Arsenal’s top summer target, but Aston Villa are expected to demand at least £100m for the England international.