For a while, Ainsley Maitland-Niles was a fan favourite at Arsenal.
The Englishman came through the club’s academy, broke into the first team, and delivered a number of incredible performances for the Gunners.
In the end, his desire to play as a midfielder cost him a place at Arsenal, and after a few disappointing loans, he was released and joined Olympique Lyon on a free transfer.
Now, Maitland-Niles could be on his way back to the Premier League.
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Former Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles could join Crystal Palace
Ainsley Maitland-Niles had everything going for him at Arsenal.
The now-28-year-old was integral to Mikel Arteta’s side in the FA Cup that he won in his first few months as a manager back in 2020.
Maitland-Niles even played the whole game in the Community Shield that year and helped Arsenal beat Liverpool to the trophy.
Fast-forward six years, and the versatile England international’s career at Lyon could be coming to an end, and a return to England is on the cards.
Foot Mercato have revealed that new Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has Maitland-Niles on his radar to strengthen the squad.
The two men know each other well from their time at Lyon. Maitland-Niles played 50 games under Sage there and produced a few decent performances.
The former Arsenal star is about to enter the final year of his contract at the Groupama Stadium, and he could be up for sale.
It remains to be seen now if Palace can get him in.
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Ainsley Maitland-Niles could’ve been a star at Arsenal
Maitland-Niles was a very unique player for Arsenal.
The Hale End graduate could play anywhere in midfield and also in both full-back and wing-back positions. Arteta brought the best out of him in the latter roles.
If only Maitland-Niles had listened to the Arsenal manager’s plans for him and continued to develop, he could’ve become a star in the famous red and white.
Looking back at his career now, it’s fair to say that he has not fulfilled the massive potential he once had, which is such a shame.
However, Maitland-Niles is still only 28, and he could have a chance to turn his career around if he returns to the Premier League this summer.
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