According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal have earmarked Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye as a potential option to strengthen their left wing department before the transfer window closes next week.
The Gunners have already signed a new left winger in Christos Tzolis. The Greek arrived from Club Brugge as a replacement for club favourite Leandro Trossard, and he has made a big impression with 2 assists already in the bag.
Arsenal are now actively looking to part ways with Gabriel Martinelli. Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are negotiating payment terms with the Gunners and it could be a matter of time before the Brazilian heads for the exit door too.
His departure could pave the way for another left winger to join the ranks. In a brief update, The Daily Mail cite that Ndiaye is a player Arsenal admire for the left wing. The Senegal international is reportedly valued at £80 million.
Experience
Ndiaye has established himself as a key player for the Toffees. He accumulated 6 goals and 3 assists from 32 games in the Premier League last term, but offered much more in the final third with his creativity, dribbling and chance creation.
He has been more successful as a right winger over the past 12 months, but predominantly played on the opposite flank earlier in his Toffees career. Hence, he could easily operate as a left winger too and Arsenal could benefit from his strengths.
The 26-year-old is gifted with plenty of pace and likes to take on defenders. He averaged more than 2 take-ons per game last season. Ndiaye also works hard off the ball and won 6 duels per game last campaign with almost 6 recoveries.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta prefers to work with wingers who are defensively good. Ndiaye would be a fine addition to the club’s ranks due to his Premier League experience. With better players around him, he would no doubt increase his goal contributions.
Still, the price tag could be a potential roadblock towards a transfer. If Arsenal were to pursue a marquee striker such as Julian Alvarez who could cost £129 million, the club are unlikely to spend another £80m to prise Ndiaye away from the Toffees.
A deal could be done for around £55-60m if Everton are prepared to negotiate. With the transfer window closing on September 1, a move for a reduced fee seems unlikely (if Arsenal land another striker) unless the Senegalese star hands in a transfer request.
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