Arsenal are set to miss out on Iliman Ndiaye after Manchester City agreed a £65million deal with Everton for the Senegal international.
The Gunners entered the race for Ndiaye on Sunday as Mikel Arteta looked at another attacking addition before the transfer window closes.
However, Manchester City have now moved decisively and agreed terms with Everton after switching their attention away from Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.
The development brings Arsenal’s pursuit to an abrupt end less than 24 hours after their interest threatened Tottenham’s advanced move.
Man City agree £65m Iliman Ndiaye transfer
According to The Times, City have secured Ndiaye for £65m, hijacking a transfer which had initially appeared likely to take the forward to Tottenham.
The Telegraph also reports that City have agreed the £65m deal after Liverpool rejected their approach for Gakpo.
Ndiaye is expected to undergo his medical on Tuesday before completing the switch.
That represents a significant change from the position only hours earlier.
Read Arsenal reported on Sunday that Arsenal had made a shock late move for Ndiaye after Tottenham entered advanced negotiations over a deal worth around £60m.
Arsenal’s interest was not completely new. The Gunners had made an enquiry over the Everton forward earlier in August before his future accelerated during the final days of the window.
City have ultimately acted fastest.
The Independent reports that Manchester City agreed a £60m initial fee, with the overall package capable of reaching £65m.
For Arsenal, attention can now turn elsewhere.
Arteta’s side are exploring a late move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, while their ambitious pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has not yet been completely abandoned.
With Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus heading towards exits, Arsenal still have reason to assess another attacking addition before the market closes.
Ndiaye, however, can now be removed from that list.
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