Everton add former Arsenal player with over 100 Premier League appearances to transfer shortlist

Everton is pursuing a move for former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who currently plays for Lyon, though the transfer is uncertain due to Lyon's severe financial struggles after barely avoiding relegation from Ligue 1, which has forced the club to sell several players.

The Toffees have also expressed interest in Lyon's Malick Fofana, but face competition for his signing. Under new ownership by the Friedkin Group, Everton has already strengthened its squad with the signings of Thierno Barry from Villarreal and goalkeeper Mark Travers as a backup to Jordan Pickford, and has agreed an £8 million deal for Bayern Munich left-back Adam Aznou, pending a medical.

Maitland-Niles, aged 27, joined Lyon in 2023 after his Arsenal contract expired and has two years remaining on his current deal. He offers extensive Premier League experience with over 100 appearances and is known for his versatility, having played as a left-back, right-back, central midfielder, and on both wings, primarily on the right during his 132-game stint with Arsenal.