Arsenal and City establish late interest in United’s PL-proven Zirkzee replacement with three-horse race on cards

Arsenal and Manchester City have established their interest in a late deal for Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye.

According to Ben Jacobs, the Toffees value their talisman at £80 million this summer.

Red Devils also among Iliman Ndiaye’s suitors

Meanwhile, Manchester United fans may recall that INEOS had been sizing up a move for Ndiaye earlier in the window, particularly when it looked as though Marcus Rashford would be sold.

Links quietened down when the club began preparing for his reintegration, but there’s a strong chance they will look to revive their interest if Joshua Zirkzee leaves.

It’s now increasingly likely that the Dutch forward departs before the deadline as he seeks increased game time elsewhere.

In fact, Everton have even been credited as one of Zirkzee’s suitors in recent weeks, which could pave the way for an agreement to be reached that includes Ndiaye moving to Old Trafford.

How Ndiaye has fared in England

The 26-year-old attacker helped David Moyes get off to an ideal start in their 2026/2027 Premier League campaign by notching an assist in the Blues’ 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.

It takes his tally in an Everton shirt up to 17 goals and four assists in 73 appearances since he signed from Olympique de Marseille in July 2024.

Ndiaye, a 43-capped Senegal international, also gained experience in England with Sheffield United from 2019 to 2023.

He racked up a hugely impressive 21 goals and 13 assists in 76 Championship appearances for the Blades, making it no surprise he was a man in demand come the end of 2022/2023.

City have added their name to the list of Ndiaye’s admirers after sanctioning a double exit of Savio and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham Hotspur this week.

Arsenal are also seeking attacking depth, but Atletico Madrid wantaway Julian Alvarez remains their ‘dream’ target.