Ex-Gunner wanted by Crystal Palace new manager | OneFootball

New Palace manager Pierre Sage worked with Maitland-Niles at Lyon, where the 28-year-old has settled into a familiar utility role.

Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images

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.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

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.

Photo by PETER CZIBORRA / POOL / AFP