Arsenal Set to Challenge United for Ndiaye as Everton Star Attracts Elite Suitors

Arsenal appear ready to lock horns with Manchester United in pursuit of Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, the AFCON-winning attacker who has caught the eye of England's biggest clubs this season.

The Gunners are enjoying a stellar campaign atop the Premier League table, their 3-0 demolition of Sunderland on Saturday extending their advantage over second-placed Manchester City to six points. City themselves kept pace with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta has been handed considerable backing in the transfer market, with over £250m invested in squad reinforcements over the summer. Yet despite assembling what many consider the division's strongest squad, there remains scope for tactical evolution. Arsenal's ruthlessly efficient approach—anchored by set-piece dominance—has drawn criticism in some quarters, with Paul Scholes notably suggesting the Gunners could become "the worst team to win the league," before hastily revising his assessment to "the most boring team."

Ndiaye, the former Sheffield United winger now plying his trade at Goodison Park, represents precisely the kind of creative spark that could add dynamism to Arteta's well-oiled machine. The Senegal international has registered four goals and two assists for Everton this term and possesses the versatility to operate anywhere in an attacking line.

Reports suggest Arsenal are prepared to battle United for his signature, with Chelsea and Tottenham also circling. However, Everton's negotiating hand remains relatively firm. Ndiaye's contract extends to June 2029, and the Merseysiders are thought to be seeking a fee between €65-75m (£57m-£65m).

Ndiaye himself has previously suggested his focus remains on Everton's immediate ambitions. "As long as I'm at Everton, I'll always give my best for them," he stated. "I want to achieve things with Everton, starting with this season and getting into Europe."

The potential move could see him replace Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates, despite the Brazilian's importance to Arteta's plans. Martinelli continues to attract interest from Saudi Arabia's top flight.

Pat Nevin, the former Chelsea and Everton winger, believes Ndiaye possesses the quality to flourish at a bigger club. Speaking to BBC Sport, Nevin observed: "I often think of players who would be even more impressive playing with better sides, teams who have more of the ball and spend more time in the attacking third. Watching Everton's Iliman Ndiaye so far this season, I suspect he could do a phenomenal job if he was playing for Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal, he is that good.

"I hope he stays at the Toffees but they might have to fight off bids from the bigger boys soon. Notice I don't mention Liverpool in the shortlist. This is not because he isn't capable but I would rightly have an Evertonian lynch mob after me if I suggested such a thing!"