Everton reach agreement to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon

Everton have reached an agreement with Lyon to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles, with the former Arsenal player travelling to England to complete the final stages of a deadline-day move.

Sky Sports reports that the clubs have agreed a deal worth €5 million for the 29-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract with Lyon. Maitland-Niles has been given permission to travel to the UK ahead of medical checks and the completion of his move.

L’Équipe has separately reported that the England international is expected to finalise his switch to Everton on Tuesday evening.

Neither Everton nor Lyon have formally announced the transfer and there has been no reliable confirmation that the medical has been completed, meaning the deal should still be treated as advanced rather than official.

Maitland-Niles joined Lyon as a free agent in the summer of 2023 after leaving Arsenal, where he progressed through the academy and made more than 100 senior appearances.

His versatility has remained a defining part of his career. Although increasingly used at right-back, he has also operated as a wing-back and central midfielder, giving Everton an experienced option across several positions.

Everton moved for Maitland-Niles after difficulties in completing a proposed deal for Fulham right-back Kenny Tete. Their need for another option on the right side of defence has also increased with Nathan Patterson moving towards an exit.

The financial terms have not been officially disclosed. Sky Sports and French reporting have put the agreement at around €5 million, although other British reports have carried different figures, so the exact fee should remain attributed rather than treated as confirmed.

For now, Everton have secured a club agreement and Maitland-Niles is travelling to complete the transfer, but medical clearance, final paperwork and formal confirmation are still required before the move becomes official.