Arsenal have joined the competition to sign Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye after making an initial enquiry about the Senegal international.
The London club have contacted Everton to request information about the 26-year-old, according to Transfer News Live, citing insider Ben Jacobs. Arsenal are understood to admire Ndiaye, who has also attracted the attention of Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
Ndiaye’s future at Everton has become uncertain after the player declined to enter negotiations over a new contract with the club. A potential transfer could be worth about £75m, which equates to approximately €87.5m.
Arsenal’s approach places them among the clubs monitoring the versatile attacker, although the information available does not indicate that a formal bid has been submitted or that negotiations over a transfer have begun.
Ndiaye played 32 Premier League matches in the most recent campaign, scoring six goals and providing three assists. His ability to operate in several attacking and midfield positions has contributed to the interest in his services.
The Senegal player has been used in a variety of roles for Everton, rather than being restricted to one particular position. That flexibility is reflected in his classification as a winger, while his performances have also included involvement from deeper areas of the team’s attacking and midfield structure.
Everton now face a decision over whether to retain Ndiaye or consider offers for a player whose current contract situation has created uncertainty. The club could potentially command a sizeable fee if the reported valuation of £75m is met, but Arsenal’s enquiry is currently the clearest indication of the London side’s interest rather than confirmation of an imminent move.
Al-Hilal’s interest means Arsenal are not the only club considering a move for the forward. The Saudi club has also been identified as a potential destination, adding another contender to what could become a competitive transfer race.
For Arsenal, the enquiry represents an early step in assessing whether a deal for Ndiaye can be pursued. The club’s admiration for the player has been reported, but any transfer would still depend on agreement over personal terms, the fee and Everton’s willingness to sell.
Ndiaye’s six goals and three assists came during a Premier League season in which he featured across different areas of attack and midfield. His form, combined with his positional versatility and the uncertainty surrounding his contract renewal, has made him a focus of interest for both Arsenal and Al-Hilal.
