Forget Julian Alvarez, opening Premier League weekend showed exactly who Arsenal should sign now
The Julian Alvarez transfer saga has still not come to an end.
Arsenal continue to monitor the Argentina international, but his heart still remains set on a move to Barcelona.
However, Atletico Madrid have made it perfectly clear that they will not sell him to the Catalans, which is perhaps why the Gunners are waiting in the background.
Andrea Berta cannot wait forever, though, which is why he should start thinking about signing another player now as we head into the final week of the window.
Our pick? Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye.
Iliman Ndiaye shows exactly why Arsenal should sign him
Just like Arsenal, Everton have started the new Premier League season with a win.
The Toffees beat Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday thanks to goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Thierno Barry, but the real star of the show was Ndiaye.
The Senegal international started on the right wing for Everton, and he was a constant threat. He created three chances and picked up an assist via a glorious cross onto Barry’s head.
Even off the ball, Ndiaye made four defensive contributions and eight ball recoveries, which is a fantastic return for a wide player. (Sofascore)
Arsenal still need a new left winger in this window, and with Vinicius Jr no longer an option, Ndiaye makes a lot of sense.
The Everton man is a phenomenal dribbler, can play on either flank and through the middle, and as his performance against Crystal Palace showed, he can do it in the Premier League.
If a move for Julian Alvarez proves impossible, Arsenal should switch their focus to their left flank and sign Ndiaye instead late in the window.
Arsenal fans react to Iliman Ndiaye’s performance for Everton
Arsenal have looked at Ndiaye this summer as a potential option to strengthen their wide areas.
The Gunners need an elite dribbler who is capable of creating chances against low blocks and being a goal threat in the final third.
Ndiaye checks all those boxes, and after watching his performance against Palace, Arsenal fans want him signed.
One tweeted: “Bring to Arsenal Iliman Ndiaye please!!!! This is exactly the player we need.”
Another wrote: “Honestly, I’m SOLD on Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. The way he keeps drifting into midfield is giving me those early Tzolis vibes. And that cross he whipped in? Wicked. The dribbling is there, he can use both feet, he’s physical, and he knows how to carry and guide the ball through pressure. There’s a lot to like.”
“Ndiaye is such a good footballer, such a complete attacker. Very strong dueller, tenacious defender, tight space monster, progressive carrier – the only real part of his game missing is the goals. I would really love him for Arsenal this summer, undoubtedly better than Gabriel Martinelli and overall a really good fit for the LW position as well as being able to cover RW and AM,” said another.
