Arsenal want £80m Premier League star to replace Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal are keeping a close eye on Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye as a possible replacement for Gabriel Martinelli, whose future at the Emirates appears increasingly uncertain.

Martinelli is edging closer to a move to Al Hilal, with Arsenal reportedly prepared to accept an offer in the region of £50 million to £55 million for the Brazilian.

The winger has also been left out of the squad for Arsenal’s last two games, further fuelling speculation that his time in North London could be coming to an end.

Ndiaye emerges as one of Arsenal’s possible options

With Martinelli’s departure looking increasingly likely, Arsenal are considering several options to replace him, and Ndiaye’s name is gaining more momentum, according to The Daily Mail.

The Everton winger, valued at £80 million, was one of the club’s standout performers last season and has attracted attention with his ability to operate from the left while also playing in other attacking positions.

However, getting one of Everton’s best players will not be straightforward. The transfer market has become increasingly difficult, with clubs demanding huge fees for their key players, and Everton are unlikely to make an exception for Ndiaye.

Arsenal will therefore have to decide whether the Senegalese international is worth the investment as they look to rebuild their left wing.

Is Ndiaye the right man to replace Martinelli?

Replacing Martinelli will not be easy, but Arsenal appear to be looking for something different from their next left winger.

The priority now seems to be output. Arsenal need a player who can consistently contribute goals and assists, something Martinelli has struggled to provide over the last two seasons.

The arrival of Christos Tzolis has already shown the importance Arsenal are placing on attacking output, with the new signing offering another source of goals and assists from the wide areas.

Ndiaye, however, offers a different profile. He is skillful, unpredictable and difficult to dispossess, with the ability to create something out of nothing.

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Those qualities would undoubtedly add something to Arsenal’s attack, but there is still a question over whether he solves the specific problem the club are trying to address.

If Arsenal want a winger who can immediately improve their numbers in front of goal, Ndiaye may not be the most obvious answer. For a team looking to retain the Premier League title and go further in Europe, the next left winger needs to bring more than just flair.