The summer transfer window is hurtling towards its September 1 deadline, and a fascinating tug-of-war is unfolding behind the scenes. Manchester City and Arsenal—the Premier League’s two dominant forces—have both set their sights on Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. And the Toffees are playing hardball, slapping an £80 million price tag on their Senegalese star.
But why are two of England’s biggest clubs suddenly circling a player who, just two years ago, was plying his trade in Ligue 1? The answer reveals a fascinating transfer saga driven by contract standoffs, failed deals, and a domino effect that could reshape the attacking options at both the Etihad and the Emirates.
Who Is Iliman Ndiaye?
Ndiaye has rapidly ascended the ranks of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers since joining Everton from Marseille in 2024. The 26-year-old Senegal international is a versatile forward who can operate across the front three or as a creative number ten. His unique skill set—technically gifted, hardworking, and capable of operating in tight spaces—has made him a perfect fit for David Moyes’ tactical setup at Goodison Park.
Last season, Ndiaye scored six goals and provided three assists in 32 league appearances. He also featured for Senegal at the World Cup, scoring once and adding two assists. In Everton’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, he played all 90 minutes and assisted Thierno Barry’s goal with a jinking run and inch-perfect cross.
Why Is He Valued at £80m?
The price tag is staggering, but Everton are in no mood to negotiate. Ndiaye is under contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2029, giving the Toffees tremendous leverage at the negotiating table.
But the real driver of the valuation is Ndiaye’s refusal to sign a new contract earlier this summer. That rejection signaled his readiness for a new challenge at the highest level of European football—and has alerted the likes of City and Arsenal, who are always on the hunt for talent looking to take the next step.
Why Arsenal Want Him: The Julián Álvarez Domino Effect
Arsenal’s interest in Ndiaye is particularly intriguing given their ongoing search for a world-class forward to complete Mikel Arteta’s tactical puzzle.
The Gunners’ dream target remains Atlético Madrid star Julián Álvarez. But there’s a problem: the Argentine is known to favour a difficult move to Barcelona, complicating matters significantly. Arsenal have been forced to look at alternative options, and Ndiaye fits the bill perfectly.
At £80m, Ndiaye represents a versatile solution who can play across the front three or as a creative number ten, making him an ideal backup should the pursuit of Álvarez end in disappointment. For Arteta, who has made bolstering his forward line a real priority this summer, Ndiaye offers Premier League experience, technical quality, and the ability to adapt to multiple systems.
Why Manchester City Want Him: A Grealish-Shaped Puzzle
Manchester City’s interest is driven by a different set of circumstances entirely.
City have already bid farewell to Savinho, who finally joined Tottenham in a deal worth up to £85m. They also look set to lose Omar Marmoush, who is on the verge of joining Spurs on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy. With attacking options thinning, Enzo Maresca’s recruitment team sees Ndiaye as a player who fits the profile of a City attacker—technically gifted, hardworking, and capable of operating in tight spaces.
But there’s another layer to this saga: Jack Grealish.
The 30-year-old winger has appeared as a substitute in City’s opening two games of the season, but new boss Maresca is open to letting him leave before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. And Grealish’s preference? A return to Everton, where he spent last season on loan, scoring twice and providing six assists in 20 appearances before a foot injury ended his campaign in January.
The pieces fit together neatly: City sign Ndiaye, Everton re-sign Grealish. It’s a swap that would benefit all parties—City get a dynamic young forward, Everton get a proven Premier League creator, and Grealish gets the move he wants.
As BBC Sport noted, Everton manager David Moyes would be “very reluctant” to lose Ndiaye, but the potential return of Grealish may soften the blow. Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear has confirmed the club have “remained in contact” with Grealish.
The Complication: Liverpool and Manchester United Are Watching
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. City and Arsenal aren’t the only clubs monitoring Ndiaye’s situation.
Liverpool have held talks to explore potential transfer parameters, with the Reds looking to add dynamic, adaptable depth across their forward line. Manchester United have also been linked with the versatile forward as they search for technical sharpness in the final third.
With multiple top-four contenders registering interest, a bidding war could materialize if Everton open the door to negotiations. But at £80m, few clubs will be willing to meet Everton’s valuation—which is precisely why the Toffees are in such a strong position.
What Happens Next?
The transfer window closes on September 1—just days away. That means any deal would have to be done at breakneck speed.
For Arsenal, the priority remains Julián Álvarez. But if that move collapses, Ndiaye is a ready-made alternative.
For Manchester City, the calculus is different. They need to replace outgoing attackers, and Ndiaye fits the profile. But they also need to find a solution for Grealish—and Everton are the most likely destination.
For Everton, the message is clear: pay £80m or walk away. With Ndiaye under contract until 2029, David Moyes’ side hold all the cards. They don’t need to sell. And if they do, they want top dollar.
The Ndiaye saga
is a perfect storm of transfer window drama: a player who wants to leave, a club that doesn’t want to sell, and two Premier League giants with very different reasons for wanting to sign him.
For Arsenal, he’s a backup plan if Julián Álvarez chooses Barcelona.
For Manchester City, he’s a replacement for outgoing attackers—and a potential piece in the Jack Grealish puzzle.
For Everton, he’s an £80m asset they’re in no rush to cash in on.
One thing is certain: the next few days will determine whether Ndiaye remains on Merseyside or becomes one of the most expensive deadline-day signings in Premier League history.
What do you think? Should Arsenal pivot to Ndiaye if Álvarez slips away? And would a Grealish-Ndiaye swap deal make sense for all parties?
