Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are reportedly closing in on deals for two high-profile forwards: Iliman Ndiaye and Richarlison. Negotiations for Ndiaye involve a potential £60 million fee, a sum that reflects his market value after he turned down several renewed contract offers from Everton. Personal terms are also being hammered out, with the player considering a return to north London if the agreement is reached. Ndiaye, who arrived at Everton from Olympique de Marseille two seasons ago, has made a notable impact, tallying 17 goals in 74 appearances.
His performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester City. However, the Dutch striker Cody Gakpo, another name linked with Tottenham, now appears more likely to head to the Etihad Stadium, leaving the Spurs' focus firmly on securing Ndiaye. On the other side of the deal, Everton are keen to bring back former striker Richarlison. The Brazilian forward, who left Goodison Park in 2022 for a £60 million move to Tottenham, has struggled to find consistency at the north London club.
Everton have reportedly tabled a £35 million offer to re‑sign him, hoping his proven goal‑scoring record – 53 goals in 152 games for the Toffees – can revive their attacking options. Everton have also been linked with another forward, Folarin Balogun, but at present their primary target remains Richarlison.
The club’s hierarchy believes that bringing back a player familiar with the Premier League and the club’s culture could provide an immediate boost. Richarlison’s tenure at Tottenham has been fraught with challenges.
Despite arriving with a hefty price tag, he has struggled to adapt to Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical system and has been omitted from recent matchday squads. De Zerbi confirmed on Saturday that Richarlison, who is in the final year of his contract, was left out of the lineup for the 2‑0 home defeat to Newcastle United because he had repeatedly expressed a desire to leave. "Richarlison, I don't know. He said too many times he wants to leave," the manager explained, highlighting the player’s growing impatience.
De Zerbi also disclosed that the club is actively scouting for a new striker before the transfer window closes. While Chelsea’s Pedro Neto has been mentioned as a possible target, the immediate priority appears to be securing Ndiaye, whose blend of pace and finishing could complement the existing forward line. Tottenham have already committed over £300 million in this summer’s market.
Recent arrivals include Omar Marmoush on loan with an obligation to buy, joining fellow Brazilian Savio Medeira after his £85 million transfer. Earlier in the window, Spurs invested £237 million for Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Jan Paul van Hecke, while also adding experienced free‑agents Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
Meanwhile, Everton continue discussions with Manchester City regarding a possible move for Jack Grealish. The structure of any potential deal remains fluid, with Grealish entering the final year of his City contract. He was absent as City secured a 4‑1 victory over Crystal Palace, prompting speculation about his future. Sky Sports reported that Everton’s chief scout, Marco Maresca, has been in contact with Grealish, expecting a decision within the next 48‑72 hours.
Other transfer rumours swirling around Everton include interest from Sunderland for a forward who spent last season on loan at the club, as well as a collapsed bid from Nottingham Forest for 19‑year‑old midfielder Harrison Armstrong. Forest reportedly offered £40 million, but Everton’s board unanimously rejected the proposal.
Manager David Moyes emphasized that any sale would be a "club decision" and stressed the importance of listening to supporters, who have vocally opposed the idea of losing Armstrong. The summer market has also seen notable activity across Europe. Enzo Fernandez moved to Manchester City in a British‑record‑equalling £125 million deal.
Monaco’s Folarin Balogun saw his Everton move fall through after Chelsea’s pursuit of Lamine Camara complicated negotiations. Sunderland finally secured Lyon winger Malick Fofana after a dramatic deadline‑day saga involving Crystal Palace. In the broader context, the Premier League, EFL, WSL, Scottish Premiership, LaLiga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and Bundesliga have all experienced significant spending this window, reshaping squad dynamics ahead of the new season.
Overall, Tottenham’s pursuit of Ndiaye and Everton’s ambition to bring back Richarlison illustrate the fluid nature of transfer negotiations, where clubs balance financial considerations, player ambition, and tactical needs. As the deadline approaches, both clubs are likely to finalize their strategies, potentially reshaping the attacking landscapes of both teams for the upcoming campaign.