Everton are optimistic about keeping Illiman Ndiaye for the future amid links to some of the big clubs, including Arsenal.

According to Football Insider, Everton have a fight on their hands to keep hold of star players for the long-term future, including Iliman Ndiaye. The Senegal international has truly made a big impression at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the likes of Arsenal among those keeping close tabs on the attacker.

Everton have managed to assemble a decent enough squad that could get them the push required to re-establish themselves as a mid-table team again. Following a few years of adversity, the Toffees are now looking comfortable away from the relegation zone, and the reason would be the presence of some key stars in the squad.

For instance, there are no guarantees that current top performers such as Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite will be at the club after this season, given the level of interest they have in the market. In Grealish’s case, he’s only on loan from Manchester City, and there are no guarantees he will continue with the Toffees moving forward.

For instance, Ndiaye is already attracting plenty of interest from Premier League rivals, as he is the sort of player that could fit into any of the current top six sides. The likes of Arsenal are closely monitoring the attacker, but he is not alone on their list, with the likes of Antoine Semenyo also a player of interest.

Overall, the Gunners are likely to enter the next summer window for a top-draw attacker that can play versatile roles from the wide areas. In that aspect, Ndiaye does fit the bill in a big way, and the onus will be on Everton to ward off suitors.

Everton are optimistic about keeping Iliman Ndiaye

Everton must put up a fight to keep hold of star names, and they might have taken the first step by agreeing a new deal for Branthwaite. In the case of Ndiaye, the 25-year-old key star is contracted until 2029, which does allow the Toffees plenty of room, but their vision is to keep hold of the Senegal international attacker for the long-term future.

Ndiaye has a long future ahead of him, and the interest from elsewhere might have a far greater appeal on him than one might anticipate. Hence, the onus is on Everton to show their ambition for the future and build a solid enough squad that is capable of taking the club to the next level.