Liverpool are reportedly battling with Arsenal and Manchester United over a deal to sign Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, as per Caught Offside.
Following Mohamed Salah’s departure and Hugo Ekitike’s serious injury, the Reds currently have Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha and Alexander Isak as specialist options to deploy on the frontline. Moreover, Victor Muñoz joined from Osasuna this summer.
However, Chiesa has struggled to flourish in the Premier League since joining from Juventus, while Ngumoha is still very young and needs time to develop.
On the other hand, Gakpo has showcased his qualities at Anfield but displayed inconsistent performances last term. Isak, meanwhile, struggled with fitness problems last campaign.
So, it appears Liverpool have prioritised revamping the frontline this summer. Caught Offside claim that Andoni Iraola’s side are showing genuine interest in signing Ndiaye, which could suggest Liverpool have started exploring alternative options for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola.
Although the Anfield club don’t often sign players from their city rivals Everton, they have already held direct talks with the 26-year-old’s camp over a potential transfer.
The report state that apart from Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal have also held direct contact with the player’s representatives over this deal. Al-Hilal made a move to purchase him this summer, but he doesn’t want to leave the Premier League yet.
Battle
Arsenal have explored the possibility of signing Ndiaye after failing to sign Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers. Moreover, they could make a move to hijack Liverpool’s deal for Barcola.
CO report that Man Utd are big admirers of the Everton star, but they don’t want to purchase him by matching Everton’s £75m valuation. The Toffees might demand more than that from Liverpool due to the fierce rivalry between the two sides.
Ndiaye is a right-footed versatile forward as he is comfortable on either flank. He is quick, strong, technically sound, can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas, and also works hard without possession.
The Senegal international is a Premier League-proven player and is currently at the prime stage of his career. So, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal, Man Utd or Liverpool should any of those clubs eventually manage to purchase him.
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