REUTERS/Phil Noble via Action Images
Arsenal will now turn their attention to signing a winger after confirming the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, and Everton star Iliman Ndiaye is one of the widemen being considered. The Gunners paid a £75million fixed fee to sign Guimaraes, meeting Newcastle in the middle to address their need for an elite number eight.
Mikel Arteta came into this window needing to address two key areas, and as well as the number 8 spot, the Spaniard has not hidden the fact he wants an elite left-winger.
Leandro Trossard, who has since left, did a good job on the left last season, while Gabriel Martinelli also contributed, but Arsenal need more if they are going to regularly compete with the best teams in the world.
Arsenal have considered Ndiaye transfer
Iliman Ndiaye
Iliman Ndiaye
According to The Independent, Arsenal have considered a deal for Everton star Ndiaye in their search for a left-winger. Julian Alvarez, who usually plays more centrally, is close to the top of the club's list, while PSG's Bradley Barcola is also being considered, but both players will cost huge money, likely somewhere above £130million.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr was option number one, but the Gunners always knew that would be conditional on the winger rejecting a new contract at Real Madrid, and an agreement has now been reached.
Ndiaye would be a slightly more cost-effective option, and he has Premier League experience with Everton, scoring six and assisting three last season, while he scored nine from out wide during the previous campaign.
"Ili has hugely impressed me with how he’s played. He’s gone from the left side to the right side. He can play either side." - Everton boss David Moyes
There have been reports that Everton could ask for as much as £100million for Ndiaye this summer, but even at that price, he would be cheaper than the likes of Barcola and Alvarez, albeit he is not anywhere near as proven at the very top level.
At this stage, the report claims Ndiaye has only been considered by Arsenal, and the interest has not gone beyond that, but the Gunners are now expected to ramp up their winger search after the signing of Guimaraes.
Arsenal's current winger options
Bukayo Saka
Gabriel Martinelli
Christos Tzolis
Noni Madueke
Ethan Nwaneri
Reiss Nelson
Eberechi Eze
via Reuters
Ndiaye has been praised by Everton boss David Moyes for his versatility, but the veteran boss has wanted more consistency from the winger. He said last season: "Ili has hugely impressed me with how he’s played. He’s gone from the left side to the right side. He can play either side. I think he’s been better there. He’s been so good. We’re getting goals from him as well. He’s a great lad to work with. He’s shown some brilliant moments, especially in the first half against Manchester City, but we just want him to be like that in all the games.”
Arsenal confirm Guimaraes transfer
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
In the meantime, Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Guimaraes from Newcastle. Sporting director Andra Berta said: “We are delighted to welcome Bruno Guimaraes to our club. Bruno is a player with a great mentality and great quality, who will bring strong leadership to our squad.
“With Bruno joining us, we are further strengthening the heart of our team. As we have all seen, Bruno can play as a defensive midfielder and as a box-to-box player. He combines quality with quantity, and has provided goals and assists for his team every year. Bruno will allow Mikel to further develop our playing style and will also increase our internal competitiveness, which is essential for maintaining the standards required when we are aiming to win major trophies.”