Arsenal to move for 80m winger before deadline?

WHAT HAPPENED
Reports in the Daily Mail, relayed by EyeFootball, say Arsenal are considering a late-window bid for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye before the transfer window shuts on September 1. The move is described as conditional on the club progressing with the sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal — that deal is said to be close to completion and could free up space for an incoming wide player.

These accounts add that Everton would demand around £80m to let Ndiaye leave and that the Senegal international has recently rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, preferring to remain in English football. None of the outlets cited confirm a completed transfer from either side.

KEY CONTEXT
- Arsenal were linked with several wide options earlier in the summer; Morgan Rogers moved to Chelsea from Aston Villa, while Vinicius Junior committed to a new long-term deal at Real Madrid.
- The reported potential move for Ndiaye comes late in the transfer window, with clubs having until September 1, 2026 to finalise deals.
- Everton are reportedly open to selling before the deadline, but only for a substantial fee.

WHY IT MATTERS
If Arsenal do complete Martinelli’s sale and then sign a winger, it would represent a direct squad reshuffle on the flanks rather than simply reducing numbers. The size of the fee Everton reportedly require — about £80m — would make any acquisition a significant financial commitment, and Ndiaye’s preference to stay in England could influence negotiations by making him a more realistic target than players seeking moves elsewhere.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Confirmation or completion of Gabriel Martinelli’s transfer to Al-Hilal, which sources say is close.
- Whether Arsenal formally open talks with Everton and submit an offer meeting the reported £80m valuation.
- Any official statements from the clubs involved before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2026.

KEY FACTS
- Reports link Arsenal with Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
- Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly close to joining Al-Hilal; his exit could clear room for a new wide player.
- Everton would reportedly require about £80m to sell Ndiaye.
- Ndiaye is said to have turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia and prefers to remain playing in England.
- Morgan Rogers moved to Chelsea; Vinicius Junior signed a new long-term contract at Real Madrid earlier in the summer.