Why Iliman Ndiaye's Everton exit could get messy as Tottenham brace for last-minute twist

Iliman Ndiaye may not be heading for a smooth Everton exit in the final hours of the transfer window after all.

The 26-year-old has been touted with a move away from Merseyside all summer.

He's proven himself to be a top player at Premier League level as he enters his third season with Everton.

It's unclear whether David Moyes will have time to replace the Senegalese international should he depart before the deadline.

But, what is becoming clearer is that a last-gasp transfer battle is set to ensue for his signature.

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Who is readying a deadline-busting offer for Iliman Ndiaye?

It had looked like Ndiaye was heading for Tottenham in these final hours of the transfer window.

That may still be the case, but Spurs' move for the Everton star may now be far more complicated than they would've liked.

France-based journalist Lassana Camara - who has 19,500 X followers - claims that Arsenal are lining up a "big move" for Ndiaye.

Camara claims that whilst Ndiaye has a preliminary agreement to join Spurs, the Gunners are still quietly working to secure his signature.

But why might Tottenham be the wiser destination for Ndiaye over Arsenal?

Why Arsenal interest will reveal Ndiaye exit motivations

With Mikel Arteta's Premier League champions now reportedly ready to strike for Ndiaye, these final hours will be very revealing.

A move to the Emirates would surely offer Ndiaye a greater chance at silverware as well as a higher profile.

However, he would have Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke for company down the right, as well as Christos Tzolis on the left.

As such, he probably wouldn't be a guaranteed starter for Arsenal, but he surely would be with Tottenham.

So, it will be fascinating to see how he views these two potential destinations, ahead of what is set to be a frantic final few hours of the window.