By OkayGoal
Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements has taken an interesting twist, with reports confirming the Gunners have registered genuine interest in Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, though very much as a fallback option should their bigger targets fail to come off.
Manchester City enter race to sign Iliman Ndiaye
The 26-year-old Senegalese international is understood to have already been informed of Arsenal’s interest, and by all accounts he would be perfectly open to making the move to North London if things progressed. There is a neat symmetry to that too, given how well Ndiaye has adapted to Premier League football since his switch to Everton, quick, direct and comfortable operating across the front line rather than being tied to one specific role.
The complication, unsurprisingly, comes from elsewhere. Manchester City have now been credited with monitoring the same situation, and few clubs have shown quite the same knack over the years for swooping in on players others have quietly earmarked. That will hardly fill Arsenal fans with confidence given the history between these two sides in the market.
Arsenal & Arteta continue to shuffle on their options
It is worth stressing, though, that this is being framed very much as a secondary option rather than a priority for Arteta. With Julian Alvarez still the dream ticket up top and names like Osimhen and Ibrahim Mbaye also floating around the building, Ndiaye represents more of a sensible insurance policy than a marquee statement signing, the sort of pragmatic move Arsenal have leaned on repeatedly under Arteta rather than leaving themselves short if a bigger deal collapses.
There is something to be said for that approach too. Chasing marquee names is all well and good, but recent windows have taught plenty of clubs the value of having credible alternatives lined up rather than scrambling in the final days. Ndiaye’s versatility and proven Premier League output make him exactly the sort of low risk, useful body to have in reserve.
Whether Manchester City’s interest is genuine intent or simply due diligence remains to be seen, but Arsenal will not want to be left exposed if their primary plans out wide or up top do not materialise. For now, this one sits quietly in the background, but do not be surprised if it edges further forward the closer deadline day gets.