UMVA has learned that Everton is eyeing a surprise signing to bolster their defense for the upcoming season, with a former Arsenal player emerging as a top target.
The Toffees are looking to strengthen their back line, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been identified as a key signing to play right back, allowing Jake O’Brien to shift and play centrally. This move could prove to be a shrewd one, given Maitland-Niles' impressive form since joining Lyon.
Maitland-Niles, a versatile player with a background in Arsenal's youth team, has established himself as a key player at wing back for Lyon. His success in Ligue 1 has caught the attention of several Premier League teams, with Everton now leading the charge to sign him.
According to information obtained by UMVA, several top Premier League clubs, including Fulham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest, have also expressed interest in Maitland-Niles, making the competition for his signature fierce. With a contract that expires in 2024, Lyon may be willing to negotiate a reasonable transfer fee.
Whatever the outcome, it seems increasingly likely that Maitland-Niles will return to the Premier League by the end of the summer, with his versatility and talent making him a highly sought-after asset. Maitland-Niles' potential move comes as no surprise, given the growing trend of Premier League players finding success abroad and then returning as improved prospects.
In other developments, a former Manchester United coach is reportedly in line to take the Fulham job, while Julian Alvarez appears set to stay put, with his club slapping a hefty €500m price tag on him.
