Arsenal in prime position to beat Chelsea to €80m forward

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their bid to sign Iliman Ndiaye after he confirmed his desire to play in the Champions League amid significant transfer speculation.

The Everton attacker registered nine goal contributions in 32 Premier League games last campaign and he is one of the most sought-after players in the English top flight this summer as several top clubs chase a high-profile transfer.

Ndiaye has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €52.2 million, but rumours have suggested that Everton may demand a fee as high as €80m to sell him during the summer window as David Moyes’ side look to retain his services for at least another season.

Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs understood to be interested in acquiring Ndiaye this summer, although he has hinted that a move to the Emirates Stadium would be far more appealing than linking up with Xabi Alonso in west London.

“Everyone's going to be watching the World Cup. It's definitely a big opportunity for me,” Ndiaye told SPORTbible ahead of Senegal’s 3-1 loss to France in their opening fixture on Tuesday.

When asked about his future at Everton, he added: “You don't know where football will take you next. As I've always said, I want to be the best player and to do that, you have to play at the top.

“I want to be playing at the top level. I want to be playing Champions League football.”

Chelsea failed to qualify for any European competition after a 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season and this could prove decisive in their pursuit of Ndiaye’s signature this summer.

The Senegal international has been earmarked as a possible alternative to top target Morgan Rogers by the Blues hierarchy, but their lack of Champions League football may block a deal and could allow Arsenal to pounce.

The Daily Mail have confirmed that Mikel Arteta’s side are keeping tabs on Ndiaye’s situation amid their desire to sign a new left winger, with both Manchester City and Manchester United also interested in finalising a deal for the 26-year-old before Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.

As revealed by FootballTransfers, Arsenal want to sign the aforementioned Rogers as they look to bolster the attacking options available to Arteta, but a deal for Ndiaye could be pursued if Aston Villa refuse to sell the England star after his participation at the World Cup.

Why Arsenal should consider Iliman Ndiaye deal

Arsenal are keen to improve their attack this summer and a deal for Ndiaye would make perfect sense if Rogers is deemed to be unattainable due to Aston Villa’s lofty asking price.

The Senegal forward wasn’t exactly prolific in the Premier League last season, with only six goals, but he was one of the most dynamic attackers in the division and his all-round game has improved immensely since he arrived at Everton.

He would add flair and pace to Arsenal’s forward line, and considering he is more of an out-and-out winger than Rogers, a transfer would be advisable if Arteta wants to sign a player capable of displacing Leandro Trossard as his favoured option on the left flank.