Mikel Arteta
Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye this summer, although they face significant competition for the player's signature, according to CaughtOffside.
Ndiaye has impressed for the Toffees over the last two seasons since completing his move from Marseille in 2024, producing a fruitful campaign last term, in which he netted six goals and provided three assists in the Premier League. This form has sparked widespread interest from several top clubs, including the Gunners, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Al-Hilal.
United have been cited as the most keen potential suitors, although Everton's purported £75 million asking price means the Saudi club have emerged as the frontrunners to land the Senegalese forward.
Nevertheless, Arsenal remain in the picture and could move for him if their pursuit of Vinicius Junior fails.
Mikel Arteta Arsenal manager
Mikel Arteta Arsenal manager
Arsenal Monitoring Iliman Ndiaye
ndiaye
Despite winning the Premier League title last season, Arsenal's key decision-makers still feel as though Mikel Arteta's attack could improve tenfold.
The Gunners are subsequently looking to go big on a left-sided forward, and are attempting to pull off an audacious move for Real Madrid's Vinicius.
However, a prospective deal for the Brazilian is complicated and expensive, and thus, sporting director Andrea Berta is lining up alternatives.
CaughtOffside insist Ndiaye, described as 'one of the best' wingers in the Premier League, is one of the players the North Londoners are assessing as an option. United are believed to be the favourites to acquire the 26-year-old, although the finances behind the potential move mean Al-Hilal could be the player's most likely destination.
Everton aren't keen on losing one of their best attacking players, and have subsequently priced Ndiaye at £75 million.
Arsenal believe the Senegal international could be an excellent option for them off the left, although it remains to be seen whether they'd be willing to meet the Merseysiders' valuation.
Arsenal Should Aim Higher Than Iliman Ndiaye
Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye
Since news broke that Arsenal are exploring a deal for Vinicius, discourse amongst Gunners supporters has been centred solely around the superstar. If the English champions don't secure the Real Madrid man and ultimately end up turning to someone else, supporters of the North London club are inevitably going to feel somewhat underwhelmed, regardless of who the alternative is.
That said, Arsenal should aim higher than Ndiaye. While the Everton star is an excellent player in his own right, he wouldn't definitely elevate the level of Arteta's attack.
The Gunners need a superstar left winger who can produce at an elite rate in the final third, and Ndiaye's production across his career doesn't suggest he can be this.