Ainsley Maitland-Niles to team up with Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane as Galatasaray line up offer for ex-Arsenal man

The Turkish champions are preparing an offer for midfielder Maitland-Niles, according to a report from RMC Sport. The Istanbul-based club has reportedly been in contact with the England international on several occasions and are now working on the structure of a formal bid to present to the Ligue 1 side.

The move highlights Galatasaray's serious intent in the current transfer window, as they aim to build on a squad that has already been bolstered by the high-profile arrivals of Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane. For Lyon, the potential sale comes during a period of significant squad restructuring and continued financial monitoring by French football's financial watchdog, the DNCG. The club has already parted ways with key players like Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki as they reshape their team under new manager Paulo Fonseca.

After leaving his boyhood club Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, Maitland-Niles successfully established himself as a key starting player for Lyon in his debut season. The five-cap England international became a mainstay in the French club's midfield.

Galatasaray are expected to formalise their interest by submitting an official offer to Lyon. Maitland-Niles has two years remaining on his contract, giving the French club a strong position in negotiations, though their financial situation may encourage them to sell. A move would see the 27-year-old join an ambitious project with a star-studded team competing for major honours. Lyon, meanwhile, are preparing for their Ligue 1 season opener against Lens with a significantly altered squad.