Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye didn’t just survive his first full Premier League season — he thrived. And now, according to reports from the Daily Mail, three of the league’s biggest clubs are tracking the Senegal winger, with Everton making it clear they won’t entertain offers below £50 million.
That figure isn’t arbitrary. Ndiaye, signed from Marseille in 2024 on a five-year deal, has become the kind of flexible attacking weapon that top teams crave. He can play wide, drift inside as a creator, or even push closer to the striker. For a club like Everton, holding onto that kind of versatility means setting a high floor for any negotiation.
Why the interest makes sense
For Arsenal, the appeal is obvious. Mikel Arteta has established a strong core in wide areas with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard, but the Gunners have occasionally lacked a truly unpredictable option off the bench. Ndiaye’s ability to beat defenders in tight spaces and carry the ball under pressure could fill that gap. He’s not a guaranteed starter, but as a rotation piece in a Champions League campaign, he fits.
Manchester United’s need is more urgent. FourFourTwo recently listed Ndiaye among the attackers United are considering, and the reasoning is straightforward: the Red Devils need more pace, creativity, and reliability on the wings, especially if further attacking exits happen this summer. Ndiaye’s direct, high-energy style is exactly the kind of profile that could help unlock defenses that sit deep against United.
The City factor
Manchester City tends to operate differently. They rarely chase flashy names for the sake of it, but they also rarely ignore a Premier League-proven talent with technical quality and tactical flexibility. Ndiaye may not be their headline target, but he fits the mold of a player Pep Guardiola could refine into something more dangerous within a dominant system. City have a history of buying smart, not just big.
There’s also the World Cup variable. Senegal is competing on the global stage, and Ndiaye will have opportunities to raise his profile. Transfermarkt currently values him around €55 million, but if he delivers a strong tournament, Everton may feel justified pushing beyond that £50 million threshold. The long contract gives the club leverage, and they’re not afraid to use it.
For now, Ndiaye remains an Everton player, and the club has not confirmed any formal bids. But with Arsenal, United, and City all reportedly watching, the summer could get very interesting — and very expensive — for anyone hoping to pry him away from Goodison Park.
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