With rumours refusing to go away around Iliman Ndiaye’s future, Everton have now shifted their focus towards Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri.
The Toffees will have a hefty task on their hands if Ndiaye leaves. The Frenchman is undoubtedly their leading talisman, but even he may not be able to resist the riches of the Saudi Pro League.
Although reports have claimed that Al Hilal are in talks to sign the impressive winger, the Saudi side are yet to reach an agreement and Everton are not willing to sell their star man this summer. Whether that stance lasts the test of time remains to be seen, however.
It looks like the Toffees are already planning for a world without Ndiaye, though, with Nwaneri lined up. The Arsenal man desperately needs a fresh start after barely featuring for the Gunners last season, before facing the same problem on loan at Marseille.
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Ethan Nwaneri’s disastrous 25/26 campaign |
What went wrong? |
Games played |
|---|---|---|
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Arsenal |
There was no room for error as far as Mikel Arteta was concerned last season. Those he trusted featured. Those he did not were forced to watch on from the bench without an opportunity. Unfortunately for Nwaneri, he fell into the latter category despite impressing a year prior. |
12 (4 starts) |
|
Marseille |
It was initially a fantastic start for the winger at Marseille when he netted an excellent goal on his Ligue 1 debut. Things were finally looking up. The issues arrived when Roberto De Zerbi departed his role and Nwaneri was left watching on from the bench. |
11 (4 starts) |
Eight starts across the entire season highlights the frustrating year that Nwaneri endured. Game time at Arsenal is unlikely to improve, either, amid targets like Vinicius Junior and arrivals like Christos Tzolis.
Everton preparing offer to sign Ethan Nwaneri
It could be those on Merseyside who take full advantage of the youngster’s situation. According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton are now preparing an offer to sign Nwaneri from Arsenal. The Merseyside club are looking to hijack AC Milan in the process.
The winger is valued at just €35m (£30m) at the Emirates and that should be within Everton’s range, given that they spent around £42m on Tyler Dibling last summer.
The same can’t be said for AC Milan, however, who are looking to land a loan with an option to buy. That should hand the Toffees a key advantage if they press on and submit their offer as expected.
At just 19 years old, Nwaneri would be an excellent investment at £30m. He’s already had experience at the top level in the Premier League, still has plenty more to come and could instantly replace Ndiaye.
