Chelsea Eyes Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye as Alternative to Morgan Rogers

Chelsea is actively exploring options for attacking reinforcements as they prepare for Xabi Alonso’s first complete season at Stamford Bridge. While the club has shown interest in Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Arsenal is currently leading the chase, prompting Chelsea to consider alternative targets.

One player now prominently featured on Chelsea’s radar is Iliman Ndiaye, a winger from Everton.

Chelsea’s Interest in Iliman Ndiaye

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According to insider Simon Phillips, Chelsea has developed a ‘serious interest’ in Ndiaye and has already initiated discussions with the Senegal international regarding a potential summer transfer.

The 26-year-old had a commendable season with Everton, netting six goals and providing three assists in 32 Premier League appearances, despite being part of a team that often struggled with creativity and attacking cohesion.

Chelsea values Ndiaye not only for his technical skills but also for his experience. Unlike many younger players signed during the BlueCo era, Ndiaye is an established Premier League performer who could make an immediate impact on the team.

However, Everton is hesitant to part ways with him and reportedly would require approximately £80 million for any sale, with Manchester United also expressing interest.

Comparing Ndiaye and Rogers

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While there are some similarities between Ndiaye and Rogers, their playing styles differ. Rogers concluded the season with more impressive statistics, scoring 10 goals and assisting six times in 37 Premier League matches, compared to Ndiaye’s six goals and three assists from 32 games. Additionally, at 23 years old, Rogers is three years younger and may provide greater long-term potential.

However, it is essential to contextualize Ndiaye’s statistics; he achieved these numbers while playing for an Everton squad that created significantly fewer chances than Villa. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and navigate through pressure remains one of his key strengths.

From a financial perspective, the comparison becomes intriguing. If Rogers is valued close to £100 million while Ndiaye stands at around £80 million, the difference in quality may not be substantial enough to justify the price gap fully. Furthermore, Ndiaye could arrive with lower expectations and might be a more natural fit as a wide attacker.

If given a choice between the two players, Chelsea would likely prefer Rogers due to his age profile, versatility, and superior end product—qualities that make him one of the most sought-after attacking talents in the Premier League.

Ndiaye remains a viable alternative as well. He would bring flair, experience, and unpredictability to Alonso’s attack; however, at £80 million, he would still represent a significant investment rather than an economical solution. Ultimately, Chelsea may conclude that if they are willing to spend that amount of money, pursuing Rogers could be a more sensible option.