Why Everton set for Iliman Ndiaye resolve test as champions 'possibility' emerges

Everton look to have a nervy final few weeks of the summer transfer window ahead of them regarding Iliman Ndiaye.

The 26-year-old winger has long faced speculation over his Everton future.

Joining the Toffees in the summer of 2024, the Senegalese international has established himself as one of the best wingers in the Premier League.

A host of top clubs have been linked with Ndiaye's signature this summer, with the likes of Manchester United, Marseille and Al-Hilal all being credited with an interest.

So far, however, Everton have been able to keep hold of their talismanic forward, in what would arguably be the best piece of business David Moyes could do in this window.

But, the Toffees' biggest transfer challenge regarding Ndiaye may be about to arrive.

Who is now considering Iliman Ndiaye as a transfer option?

As much as it would hurt the Hill Dickinson Stadium faithful to see Ndiaye go, there surely can't be many who would begrudge him for seeking a big move.

He's now in the prime of his career, and if he doesn't feel as though he can win silverware on Merseyside, then it would be understandable if a player of his quality wanted to seek a fresh opportunity to do so elsewhere.

Such a chance may well be about to present itself to him as well, and it would mean he'd be lining up against Everton moving forward.

That's because a report from The Standard on Saturday morning has claimed that Ndiaye is a possible transfer target for Arsenal.

The Gunners are understood to be exploring other options after admitting defeat in their pursuit of Vinicius Jr, as he's now penned a long-term contract extension with Real Madrid.

Bradley Barcola and Julian Alvarez are also explicitly named in the report as being options for Arsenal alongside Ndiaye, who has been linked with the Gunners previously.

So, would Ndiaye be a starting player if he moves to Arsenal, or might he actually be better off staying with Everton?

Why Ndiaye wouldn't have clear path to Arsenal stardom

To join the Premier League champions would come with the natural expectation of competition for playing time.

Mikel Arteta does have a number of quality wide players at his disposal, with Bukayo Saka down the right and new arrival Christos Tzolis arriving with major goal contribution pedigree on the left.

Indeed, the Greek international provided 43 goals and assists in 108 appearances for Club Brugge, and at 24, he may still have plenty of room for improvement too.

Then Ndiaye would also have the likes of Noni Madueke to compete with as well, but it does look likely that Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson will leave the Emirates this summer.

Overall then, Ndiaye would probably only be competing for the left wing spot at Arsenal, as Saka, when fit, has made the right flank his own.

But despite Tzolis' production in Belgium, he is an unproven quantity in the Premier League, whilst Ndiaye would also be confident of being ahead of Madueke in the pecking order too.

Therefore, whilst he wouldn't be devoid of competition for minutes, Ndiaye would sign for Arsenal expectant and confident of becoming an instant starter in North London.