Full Breakdown
Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea vie for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye
8/28/2026, 2:25:19 AM
Core Transfer Battle
TalkSPORT reports Manchester City’s interest in Everton’s 26-year-old Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye. TEAMtalk adds Arsenal could join the race, especially if they miss out on Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez. Journalist Simon Phillips notes Chelsea have intensified their pursuit, positioning the club alongside Arsenal. Fabrizio Romano confirms Everton are already in contact with Jack Grealish, whose loan at the Merseyside side ended last season, suggesting a possible swap component.
Background & Context
Everton would demand around £80 million for Ndiaye after he rejected a contract extension. In two seasons with the Toffees he has scored 15 Premier League goals. The club has added Tyrique George and Brennan Johnson, but manager David Moyes says the squad remains smaller than last season.
Manchester City, fresh FA Cup winners, are short on flank options after Tottenham paid £75 million for Savio and loaned Omar Marmoush with an obligation to buy for £60 million. City have secured Brazilian winger Allan from Palmeiras for £32 million and have spent roughly £220 million this summer on midfielders, a figure that could rise above £250 million once Allan’s fee is finalised.
Arsenal have struggled to secure a left winger. Their pursuit of Marseille’s Igor Paixão—who recorded 12 goals and seven assists in 38 Ligue 1 matches—has been hampered by Sunderland’s interest and Marseille’s rejection of two bids.
Chelsea are weighing the departure of Pedro Neto, linked with Saudi side Al Hilal. With Cole Palmer, Estevão Willian and Jamie Gittens already in the squad, the club must decide whether there is room for another wide attacker.
Key Figures & Groups
- Iliman Ndiaye — Senegal international winger, Everton, 15 Premier League goals.
- Manchester City — Premier League champions seeking flank reinforcements.
- Arsenal — Gunners looking to add a left-wing option.
- Chelsea — Monitoring Ndiaye as a potential replacement for Pedro Neto.
- Jack Grealish — Manchester City midfielder, possible swap element.
- Pedro Neto — Chelsea winger with an uncertain future.
Data & Statistics
- Everton’s asking price: ~£80 million (TalkSPORT).
- Ndiaye’s Premier League output: 15 goals over two seasons.
- City’s summer spending on midfielders: £220 million, potentially >£250 million with Allan’s fee.
- Igor Paixão’s Ligue 1 contributions: 12 goals, seven assists in 38 matches (TEAMtalk).
Official Statements & Responses
No club has issued a formal statement on Ndiaye’s situation. The interest described above is drawn from reports by TalkSPORT, TEAMtalk, Simon Phillips and Fabrizio Romano.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
TEAMtalk indicates Arsenal have opened discussions about Ndiaye, yet other outlets note progress has stalled, leaving the door open for Chelsea. Simon Phillips describes Chelsea’s interest as “intensifying,” while other reports simply mention continued monitoring. No concrete bids or contract terms have been disclosed, and the potential involvement of Jack Grealish remains speculative.
Why It Matters
A departure would force Everton to replace a key goal-scoring winger. For Manchester City, acquiring Ndiaye could provide a fresh attacking outlet and possibly free up cash or squad space through a Grealish swap. Arsenal’s ability to secure a left winger may influence their title challenge, while Chelsea’s success could mitigate the impact of a possible Pedro Neto exit.
What’s Next
With the transfer window drawing to a close, the clubs are expected to make final decisions in the coming days. Confirmed offers, bids or swap agreements will likely emerge before the deadline, shaping each squad for the upcoming season.
