Eze all over again! Arsenal make 'big move' to hijack Tottenham deal

News

Tom Weber | Writer

Arsenal are preparing a "big move" to snatch Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye from Tottenham's grasp.

With just over 24 hours to go in the summer transfer window, the Gunners still have an unresolved problem. Mikel Arteta wants another forward signing, particularly after the sales of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli to Barcelona and Al-Hilal, respectively.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is the Spaniard's top target, but his reluctance to move to England is well-documented. Things could still change in the dying embers of the market, but as things stand, alternatives will have to be considered.

One name that has now suddenly come up again is Ndiaye. The Everton man has been on Arteta's radar for some time, but completing a deal is far from straightforward at this stage, as the Senegal international is believed to be on the verge of joining North London rivals Tottenham.

Earlier this week, David Ornstein of The Athletic reported that Spurs and Everton had reached an agreement on a mutually beneficial deal that would see the former send Richarlison back to Merseyside, while the Toffees would sell Ndiaye.

Arsenal to hijack Ndiaye deal?

However, reports in Ndiaye's native Senegal now claim that Arsenal are looking to hijack Spurs' deal, similar to last summer when they tore Eberechi Eze from their rivals' clutches at the 11th hour.

DSports reporter Khadim Diakhate asserts that he has been able to corroborate information from Senegalese outlet Taggat that Arsenal are preparing a "big move against Tottenham."

Despite Ndiaye's "verbal agreement" to join Spurs, Arsenal are working "behind the scenes" in an attempt to "lure" the winger away from their local rivals. It is not clear, however, whether they are making actual progress.

Joining Arsenal will be more appealing to Ndiaye, but they would, of course, need to reach an agreement with Everton, which could prove problematic unless they find a potential makeweight like Richarlison.

It is doubtful that Everton would have agreed a deal with Spurs for Ndiaye had they not been offered the striker in return. The Toffees were very clear beforehand that they had no intention to sell their star attacker.

Unless Arsenal agree to part with Ben White, who is known to be an Everton target in their search for a right-back, striking a deal for Ndiaye could prove very difficult and, potentially, impossible.

Meanwhile, various reports suggest that Arsenal have also opened talks with Lyon over a possible transfer for Malick Fofana. However, the Gunners are believed to be reluctant to meet the Ligue 1 side's €40m asking price.