Despite holding a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal are refusing to stand still. Following Manchester City’s “psychological hammer blow” victory at Anfield where Erling Haaland’s late penalty kept the pressure mounting Mikel Arteta is reportedly looking for more firepower to ensure the title returns to North London.
According to Caught Offside, the Gunners have officially entered the race for Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. But it won’t be a simple deal; Arsenal face a direct battle with Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United for the Senegal international’s signature.
The £65m Price of Ambition
Everton, now under the guidance of David Moyes, are in no rush to sell their prized asset. With Ndiaye’s contract secured until 2029, the Toffees are holding out for a staggering £57m – £65m (€65m – €75m).
While Arsenal spent heavily last summer on the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, the club’s leadership believes another versatile attacker could be the insurance policy needed against City’s relentless experience.
A “Creator of Chaos” for the Emirates
Scout Ben Mattinson has long championed Ndiaye as a player ready for the “Big Six,” previously labeling him a “creator of chaos” on the pitch. His ability to disrupt deep blocks and create something from nothing is exactly what Arteta values in his fluid attacking system.
Ndiaye’s Career Consistency:
- Everton: 17 goal involvements in 58 games.
- Sheffield United: A remarkable 36 goal involvements in 88 games.
- Marseille: Gained vital European experience in Ligue 1.
Luxury or Necessity?
The big question for Arsenal fans is where Ndiaye fits. With Madueke already proving his worth most notably in the 4-0 demolition of Leeds and Gyokeres in clinical form, the squad is already “meat on the bones.”
However, as Roy Keane noted, the title race is as much psychological as it is physical. Adding a player of Ndiaye’s caliber wouldn’t just strengthen Arsenal; it would deny their North London rivals a primary target. In the high-stakes game of Premier League chess, this £65m move might be the ultimate checkmate against Pep Guardiola’s City.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
