Arsenal Transfer Latest: Iliman Ndiaye Enquiry Adds Fresh Twist to Summer Plans
Arsenal’s summer business is gathering pace and attention is now turning towards the attacking line, with Ben Jacobs on the Latte Firm YouTube channel reporting that Iliman Ndiaye is among the players admired at the Emirates Stadium. The update arrives during a period when Arsenal are already pushing forward on multiple fronts, and it adds another layer to what looks like an ambitious market strategy.
The Premier League champions have already secured Illan Meslier, Piero Hincapie and Christos Tzolis on permanent deals, while Bruno Guimaraes is understood to be closing in on a £75m move from Newcastle United. Arsenal’s recruitment, therefore, appears centred on strengthening quality, depth and tactical flexibility before the 2026/27 campaign begins.
Iliman Ndiaye emerges in Arsenal transfer thinking
Ndiaye’s situation is one to watch. Everton’s Senegal international has been linked with interest from Al Hilal, and there is now an indication that Arsenal have made checks on his availability. The key quote remains, “I heard the other day that Iliman Ndiaye is a player that Arsenal really like. He’s rejected a contract proposal at Everton for now and Al Hilal are working on that deal, maybe they’ll pull it off, but Arsenal are one of the clubs that made an enquiry.”
That does not automatically place Arsenal at the front of the queue, but it suggests the club are doing due diligence on alternative profiles in case their biggest attacking targets prove difficult to land. Vinicius Jr has been discussed as a dream option, though any move of that scale would naturally be complicated. In that context, Ndiaye becomes a credible name in the wider conversation.
Attacking versatility could appeal to Mikel Arteta
From Arsenal’s perspective, the attraction is easy to understand. Ndiaye can operate from either flank, drift into central spaces and offer a different type of movement across the front line. Across two seasons at Everton, he has returned 17 goals in 71 appearances, figures that point to contribution and resilience in a demanding environment.
For a side competing domestically and in Europe, multifunctional attackers hold major value. Arsenal have shown repeatedly that they favour players capable of filling several roles, and Ndiaye fits that model. If a deal were to develop, it would likely be judged on opportunity, price and the player’s own preference rather than pure hype.
Champions League ambition may shape next move
Ndiaye has also been open about wanting to test himself at the highest level. Looking ahead to the future, he said: “Everyone’s going to be watching the World Cup. It’s definitely a big opportunity for me,” before adding, “You don’t know where football will take you next. As I’ve always said, I want to be the best player and to do that, you have to play at the top.
“I want to be playing at the top level. I want to be playing Champions League football.”
That part of the equation matters. Arsenal can offer elite competition, title contention and a settled sporting project under Mikel Arteta. Whether Ndiaye becomes a serious target or remains one of several names under consideration, this is another sign that Arsenal are exploring the market thoroughly as they prepare for the season ahead.
Our View
From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this feels like a sensible link rather than a headline-grabbing distraction. Ndiaye may not carry the glamour of a Vinicius Jr type of move, but there is a lot to like about the fit. He is quick, direct, technically sharp and can cover multiple positions, which is exactly the kind of squad value Arsenal need if they are going to compete on every front again.
The main question would be cost. If Everton are really valuing him at around £75m, that feels steep for a player who would probably arrive as part of a rotation rather than as the undisputed star of the attack. Arsenal have already invested heavily and, if Bruno Guimaraes is also joining, there has to be discipline in the final stages of the window.
That said, the enquiry itself makes plenty of sense. Good clubs monitor strong players in case the market shifts. If Al Hilal do not complete a move, if Everton soften their stance, or if Arsenal need to pivot from another target, Ndiaye looks like the sort of option worth keeping alive. For supporters, that should be encouraging. It shows Arsenal are not waiting for one perfect scenario, they are preparing for several, and that is usually the sign of a smart summer.
