Man City enter race to sign 80m Arsenal target
August 28, 2026 02:37
Manchester City have reportedly moved into contention to sign Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye before the transfer window shuts next week. According to the report, City are willing to include Jack Grealish as part of a potential deal, using the England international as a makeweight to try to secure Ndiaye from Everton.
The story adds that City have already shifted Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham Hotspur (with Marmoush leaving on loan with a buy obligation) and have agreed a signing for Palmeiras forward Allan as squad cover, but still want another wide attacker.
KEY CONTEXT
- Iliman Ndiaye is described as a 26-year-old winger with an estimated valuation of around £80 million.
- Arsenal are also named as admirers of Ndiaye but, per the report, have not submitted an offer while they are focused on moving Gabriel Martinelli.
- Jack Grealish spent last season on loan at Everton and is said to be keen on a permanent return there — a factor the report suggests could facilitate a part-exchange.
- The summer transfer window closes on September 1, 2026.
WHY IT MATTERS
If City complete a move for Ndiaye, it would be another wide-player investment for a club still shaping its frontline after recent outgoings and the signing of Allan. A part-exchange involving Grealish would be notable both for Manchester City’s squad planning and for Everton’s recruitment, given Grealish’s reported interest in returning. For Arsenal, hesitation over Ndiaye while prioritising sales could leave them vulnerable to losing a target to a direct Premier League rival.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Manchester City make a formal offer for Ndiaye and if that includes Grealish as a makeweight.
- If Everton agree to a part-exchange structure involving Grealish.
- Whether Arsenal shift focus and lodge a bid or complete a sale that frees up room to pursue Ndiaye before September 1.
KEY FACTS
- Report date: 27 August 2026.
- Iliman Ndiaye is reported as a 26-year-old winger, valued at about £80m.
- Manchester City have reportedly sanctioned the departures of Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham Hotspur (Marmoush on loan with a buy obligation).
- City have agreed to sign Palmeiras forward Allan as cover but are still pursuing an additional wide player.
- Jack Grealish is said to be keen to rejoin Everton after his loan spell last season.
- Transfer window closes 1 September 2026.