Ainsley Maitland-Niles set for surprise Premier League return three years after Arsenal exit

Everton have agreed to sign former Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon on deadline day, talkSPORT understands.

The deal is understood to be worth around £4.2million.

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Maitland-Niles is in the final year of his deal at French outfit Lyon.

The right-back will arrive at Hill Dickinson Stadium as competition for Merlin Rohl.

Meanwhile, Nathan Patterson is set to leave Everton for Torino ahead of the transfer deadline.

Maitland-Niles has not played in the Premier League since May 2023.

The 29-year-old spent 20 years on the books at Arsenal, having joined at the age of six.

He went on to make 72 senior appearances and win the FA Cup at the north Londoners.

Maitland-Niles spent the 2022/23 season, his last as an Arsenal player, on loan at Southampton.

With 119 matches played, he earned plenty more minutes with Lyon.

Everton’s deadline day plans

talkSPORT understands that Jack Grealish is set to return to Everton from Manchester City on a season-long loan.

The 30-year-old joined the Toffees for the 2025/26 season and was a huge hit before injury brought an early end to his campaign.

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Richarlison had been linked with a return to Everton, although he has all but confirmed that a switch won’t take place.

He would have arrived from Tottenham Hotspur, whose move for Iliman Ndiaye has been hijacked by City in a £60m deal.

Everton have also eyed VfB Stuttgart forward Jamie Leweling ahead of the 11pm deadline.

However, their bid worth up to £36.8m has reportedly been rejected.

Elsewhere, Tim Iroegbunam is heading to Hull City for an initial £13m after two seasons at Everton.