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Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson love news about 25-year-old who left Arsenal this summer
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has signed for French giants Lyon this summer after leaving Arsenal on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old by the club yesterday, signing a four-year contract with the Ligue 1 side.
After playing more than 130 times for Arsenal, it’s been clear for a while that Ainsley Maitland-Niles’s time at the club needed to come to an end.
Maitland-Niles has never hidden that he wants to play as a central midfielder.
However, his versatility has counted against him throughout his career.
The 25-year-old has been shifted out onto the wing in the past, either as a full-back, wing-back or a more attacking option.
Loan moves to West Brom, Romano and Southampton have never quite worked out.
Lyon are the latest team to take a gamble on Maitland-Niles after his Arsenal exit.
He’ll be hoping a spell alongside Alexandre Lacazette can help rebuild his career and potentially even earn him another call-up to the England squad.
Lyon sign Maitland-Niles after Arsenal exit
The five-cap England international posted on Instagram yesterday with : “@ol ALLEZ!!!”
His old Arsenal teammates were delighted for him, with Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson loving the news.
Alex Iwobi simply said: “Big!”, while another academy graduate also seeking an exit, Charlie Patino, enjoyed the announcement too.
Maitland-Niles’s struggles at the Emirates could act as a good lesson for Patino.
The 19-year-old wants to leave this summer although a move doesn’t appear to be imminent.
After enjoying a spell at Blackpool last season, he’s keen to continue playing regular minutes rather than developing behind the scenes at Arsenal.
Maitland-Niles was in a similar position, albeit waiting for an opportunity in midfield while playing in other positions rather than sitting out altogether.
Lyon offers Maitland-Niles the perfect chance to prove his worth away from Arsenal.
After being handed the number eight shirt, he could finally get his wish and play a key role in the centre of the pitch.