Arsenal and both Manchester Clubs keen on Premier League star | OneFootball

Iliman Ndiaye attracting Arsenal, Man City and Man Utd interest as Everton face major transfer test

Everton’s summer transfer plans may ultimately revolve around one player more than any other. While David Moyes is looking to strengthen his squad across several positions, growing attention from Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United towards Iliman Ndiaye threatens to create an entirely different challenge.

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Everton remain determined to retain the Senegal international despite mounting interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. The report suggests Ndiaye has emerged as one of the most admired attacking players outside the established top six, with his performances during the past campaign attracting serious attention.

For Everton, keeping hold of the 26-year-old could prove every bit as important as making new signings.

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Rising reputation drawing elite attention

Iliman Ndiaye arrived at Everton carrying a reputation as a technically gifted and unpredictable forward. During his time at Bramall Lane he demonstrated an ability to change matches through individual quality, and he has continued to develop since moving to Merseyside.

His versatility remains one of his greatest assets. Capable of operating from either wing, behind a striker or through central areas, Ndiaye offers the kind of tactical flexibility that appeals to elite clubs competing across multiple competitions.

That growing reputation has reportedly caught the attention of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United. All three clubs continue to monitor attacking options capable of adding creativity, movement and unpredictability in the final third.

The Daily Mail report claims Everton are currently in a strong contractual position. Ndiaye still has three years remaining on his deal, meaning the club are under no immediate pressure to sell.

However, the situation is complicated by suggestions that the player has rejected offers of a new contract.

Contract uncertainty creates concern

Contract negotiations often provide the clearest indication of a player’s long-term intentions.

According to the report, Ndiaye has turned down proposals for improved terms from Everton. While that does not necessarily mean an exit is imminent, it has inevitably fuelled speculation about his future.

The Daily Mail states: “The Senegal international has turned down offers of new terms so has eyes on playing at a higher level yet Everton are reluctant to sell.”

Those developments are likely to place Everton in a delicate position over the coming months. Moyes and the Friedkin Group are attempting to build momentum after encouraging progress, and losing one of their most influential attacking players would represent a significant setback.

At the same time, interest from clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United is difficult to ignore, particularly if substantial offers begin to arrive.

Moyes building around key attackers

Everton’s recruitment strategy this summer appears focused on adding quality rather than overseeing another major rebuild.

The club are pursuing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney while also exploring options at right-back, in midfield and in attack. Yet the report suggests Moyes sees Ndiaye as a crucial component of his long-term plans.

The Scot has consistently valued players capable of producing moments of inspiration, and Ndiaye fits that profile perfectly. Everton supporters witnessed numerous flashes of quality last season, with the forward often carrying the team’s attacking threat during difficult periods.

Retaining him would send a powerful message regarding Everton’s ambitions as they prepare for another campaign under Moyes.

Selling him, even for a sizeable fee, would increase pressure on recruitment staff to find a replacement capable of matching his influence.

Ambitious summer awaits Everton

The wider context is important.

Everton are attempting to establish themselves as a club capable of challenging higher up the Premier League table after years of uncertainty. The Friedkin Group have publicly insisted that transfer plans will not be significantly affected by the recent financial ruling involving Burnley.

That ambition makes the Ndiaye situation particularly fascinating.

Arsenal continue to seek greater attacking depth, Manchester City regularly pursue technically gifted forwards who can operate across several positions, while Manchester United are expected to strengthen their frontline once again this summer.

Everton may not want to sell, but interest from clubs of that calibre will inevitably test their resolve.

For now, the Merseyside club remain in control thanks to Ndiaye’s long-term contract. Yet if the player continues to delay committing his future and the Premier League’s biggest sides intensify their interest, this could become one of the defining transfer stories of the summer.