Iliman Ndiaye just sent a clear message to Arsenal after Everton win
Iliman Ndiaye was impressive for Everton as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 in their Premier League opener on Saturday.
The 26-year-old's brilliant cross was headed home by Thierno Barry in the second half, after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had opened the scoring with a superb strike before the break.
The winger was the subject of interest from Al Hilal earlier this summer, with the Saudi Pro League side willing to a pay a significant sum.
Ndiaye ultimately turned down the offer, however, and is keen to stay in the Premier League if he is to leave Everton.
Arsenal are among the clubs to have been credited with an interest in the Senegal international, as they look to strengthen on the left of the attack.
Ndiaye started on the right of the attack on Saturday but would likely support the in-form Christos Tzolis on the left for the champions, opening the door to Gabriel Martinelli's exit.
Iliman Ndiaye's stats vs Crystal Palace send message to Arsenal
It was much of a mixed bag of a season for Ndiaye in the last campaign, in which he struggled to find consistency.
The winger scored six goals and provided three assists, with many of his underlying stats - duels won and dribbles completed - speaking to a superb season.
But the Senegal international prompted plenty of frustration, too, and could have ended the season with several more goals.
On Sunday, it was a great start for Ndiaye, who was a constant threat down the right for Everton.
The 26-year-old's superb assist was the highlight, but he created two other chances for his teammates and took two shots on himself.
The forward completed a successful dribble and won a free-kick, as well as making four tackles, seven recoveries and winning six duels.
Ndiaye exit could see swap deal
Given just how much Everton would want to reluctantly sell Ndiaye this summer, a swap deal is not outside of the realms of possibility.
Martinelli's situation, could in fact, make for a perfect solution for the Toffees.
The Brazilian wants to stay in the Premier League and is just 25 - David Moyes may well feel confident that he could get the best out of him.
It remains to be seen whether the Gunners do make a move for Ndiaye, but Saturday's display will not have discouraged them.