Arsenal have made a shock enquiry to sign Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye this summer after Vinicius Junior agreed a new contract with Real Madrid. The Gunners, who finished 1st in the Premier League last season with 85 points (26W-7D-5L) and a +44 goal difference, are seeking additional attacking options.
Why is Arsenal targeting Ndiaye?
With Vinicius Junior now set to stay at Real Madrid following a new contract agreement, Arsenal have turned their attention to other targets. The north London club had been linked with a move for the Brazilian winger but shifted focus after David Ornstein confirmed the 26-year-old’s extension on Thursday.
What other options are on the table?
Ndiaye, a Senegal international, has rejected a new contract at Everton and is reportedly valued at around £70m. The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, but Arsenal are among the clubs to have made an enquiry, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and PSG’s Bradley Barcola have also been mentioned as potential alternatives.
How does this fit Arsenal’s summer plans?
Arsenal have already signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge to bolster their attack, replacing Leandro Trossard, who joined Besiktas earlier in the window. The Gunners, who ended last season on a five-game winning run (final result: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal on 2026-05-24), are pushing to add more depth to their squad ahead of their next fixture against Manchester United at home on 2026-12-19.
