Arsenal have made an enquiry for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye after the Senegal international decided against joining Al-Hilal and committed himself to staying in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old had been pursued seriously by the Saudi Arabian side throughout the summer, with a weekly wage of £270,000 on offer. Everton held firm throughout, insisting on a fee of as much as £80m to sanction a departure. Ndiaye has now rejected that route entirely, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the news on X.
"Iliman Ndiaye is a player that they (Arsenal) really like too," Jacobs said. "Much of the movement there has been around Everton trying to extend the player. He's rejected a contract proposal for now, and Al-Hilal are working on that deal and maybe, like Crysencio Summerville, they'll pull it off, and he'll go to Saudi Arabia. But Arsenal are one of the clubs that have made an enquiry for Ndiaye as well."
The player's father had already moved to dismiss talk of a Saudi exit earlier in the window. He told reporters that Ndiaye had no intention of moving to Saudi Arabia, that he was aware he could earn considerably more money there but felt his level could drop as a result, and that he was not the type to put finances ahead of his footballing development.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has since reported that the transfer to Al-Hilal has been cancelled, and that Ndiaye's intention is to remain at Everton to continue developing, with a view to securing a major transfer in a future window.
The contract situation at Goodison Park has rumbled on across the summer. Everton have worked hard to agree improved terms with the winger, but sources close to the club have confirmed that multiple extension offers have been knocked back. Ndiaye's representatives are insisting any new deal must include a release clause. Despite the impasse, the player is not pushing for a move and has continued to conduct himself professionally in training. Sources have also told the desk that Ndiaye is open to approaches from top Premier League sides.
Arsenal's pursuit of Ndiaye fits into a wider and so far frustrated search for left-sided attacking reinforcements. A move for Morgan Rogers was hijacked by Chelsea, an attempt to sign Vinicius Junior came to nothing after the Brazilian signed fresh terms with Real Madrid, and interest in Yan Diomande also ended once Real Madrid became involved. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli has attracted interest from Roma and Galatasaray, with Arsenal willing to listen to offers provided they can first bring in an upgrade.
Should Everton ultimately be forced into a sale, sources have previously indicated they would want at least £75m for the player.
Reporting: CaughtOffside, Sport Witness, TeamTalk.