Arsenal could turn to Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye if their pursuit of Vinicius Jr collapses this summer. It is the latest twist in a summer of Arsenal transfer news, with the Gunners weighing up their options in attack.
Iliman Ndiaye emerges as a genuine Arsenal target
Ndiaye has been one of the season’s bigger transfer stories, following talk of a possible exit from Everton. As reported by GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are one of several clubs that have made an approach for the forward. Saudi side Al Hilal are also working on a deal to sign him. The forward has just rejoined his Everton teammates for pre season training out in Germany this week.
His long term future at the club still looks unclear, with no answer expected any time soon. Arsenal already look busy in this transfer window, adding several new faces to their squad this summer. Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes has now agreed a move, in a deal worth close to £75m.
Ndiaye would bring something different from those new faces already inside the squad this summer. He can play just as easily on either wing, or drift through the middle when needed. This would give Arteta a flexible option who needs very little time to adapt to the Premier League.
Iliman Ndiaye’s stats in the 2025-26 season at Everton, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Matches Goals Assists Tackles Interceptions Successful dribbles %
Premier League 32 6 3 70 16 54.5%
Why Ndiaye would suit Arteta’s system
Ndiaye fits well into the way Arsenal like to attack under Mikel Arteta this season. He is comfortable cutting inside from the right flank and into the box to shoot. This matches the exact movement that Arteta already wants from his wide players this year. His quick feet and low balance help him beat defenders in tight spaces near goal. In two seasons at Everton, he has scored 17 goals in 71 appearances for the club. That is a fair return for a team that has often lacked goals up front. These numbers show a player who can still deliver end product, even without much support around him.
Reporter Ben Jacobs reported on the growing transfer interest this week. He said, “I heard the other day that Ndiaye is a player Arsenal really like.”Jacobs also revealed that Ndiaye has turned down a new contract offer at Everton for now. This suggests Arsenal see him as more than just a backup option if other deals fall through.
ArsenalArsenal
Ndiaye’s own plans point towards a move
Iliman Ndiaye has made his own feelings clear about where his football future lies now. As reported by EPLINDEX, before the World Cup, he said he wants to play at the top level. Champions League football is his main goal at this stage of a rising career. That target fits well with what the Gunners, as the current Premier League champions, can offer him. They can offer him a much bigger stage than most other clubs in the league.
Arsenal’s business this summer already shows real intent and careful planning behind the scenes. This looks like a club building steadily for the future, rather than just chasing headlines. Signing a player like Ndiaye would do far more than fill one small gap up front. It would give Arteta a proven performer who already understands the demands of English football. He would also need very little time to adjust to a new style of play. Whether Vinicius Jr arrives at the club or not, Ndiaye still looks like a smart option worth having.
Also Read: Fabio Vieira: Arsenal’s latest decision changes exit race
Read More: Arsenal looking to sell one of their key graduates