Manchester City have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, with the Premier League rivals both showing late interest in the Senegal international.
Ndiaye has emerged as one of Arsenal’s options for the final stages of the summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta’s side still looking to strengthen their attack.
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Manchester City have also suggested to Everton a possible deal involving Iliman Ndiaye joining #MCFC.
Ndiaye turned down two Saudi bids this summer as he wants to stay in PL. pic.twitter.com/OkUxjodrDF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2026
However, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Manchester City have also suggested a possible deal to Everton that would see Ndiaye move to the Etihad.
City’s interest is linked to the situation surrounding Jack Grealish, with the former England international currently in talks over a return to Everton after spending last season on loan at the club.
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Romano reports that there is currently no involvement from Sunderland in the Grealish situation, while City have put forward the possibility of Ndiaye moving in the opposite direction.
Ndiaye has already turned down two approaches from Saudi Arabia this summer because he wants to remain in the Premier League, meaning a move to either Arsenal or Manchester City could appeal to the 26-year-old.
The forward came close to leaving Everton for Al-Hilal earlier in the window, but that move ultimately failed to materialise. His decision to remain in England has subsequently alerted several Premier League clubs.
Arsenal have been monitoring Ndiaye as they consider alternatives for their attack, particularly with their pursuit of Julian Alvarez proving complicated.
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The Gunners’ priority remains Alvarez, but the Argentine is understood to favour Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid have maintained their stance over a potential sale to the Catalan club.
That has forced Arsenal to consider alternative options, with Ndiaye regarded as a player capable of operating across the frontline.
Manchester City’s interest could now make a deal considerably more difficult for Arsenal.
Reports suggest Everton would demand a substantial fee for Ndiaye, with figures of around £80 million being mentioned. The Toffees are also understood to be reluctant to sell, despite the player having rejected their attempts to agree a new contract.
Ndiaye has three years remaining on his current Everton deal, giving the club a strong negotiating position.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Arsenal and Manchester City could now go head-to-head for the versatile forward.
For Arsenal, the situation adds another complication to an already busy final week of the window, with Arteta still looking to complete his squad and the club continuing to explore options in attack.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid