Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ajax star Hakim Ziyech, as they look to add more strength and quality to their squad in the summer.
Ziyech is one of several Ajax players who have been linked with a move to other European giants owing to their incredible run in the Champions League.
The Moroccan international joined Ajax in the summer of 2016, and his current contract runs out in 2021.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal are set to compete with Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool Ziyech, and will have to spend just £25 million on the attacker.
Hakim Ziyech to Arsenal – The spark the attack needs
Ziyech has been a key player for Ajax this season, and has been integral to their brilliant run in the Champions League where they have beaten Real Madrid and Juventus.
Although he has just two goals and two assists in the Champions League, almost everything has gone through Ziyech in the team. The Moroccan averages two dribbles and three key passes on an average per game in the Champions League, numbers that are even better in the Eredivisie.
Arsenal have been in trouble at times this season for over-relying on the duo of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as Mesut Ozil has once again blown hot and cold.
The likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi have been inconsistent as well, while Aaron Ramsey needs to be replaced in the summer as he is off to Juventus. That’s where Ziyech could be the spark the Gunners need in attack.
Unai Emery’s side have tried to play attacking football, but the manager doesn’t have enormous resources. Signing Ziyech would help the Gunners add more fluidity to their attack.
Ziyech has played predominantly on the right, and has managed 15 goals and 12 assists in the Eredivisie, but perhaps the most interesting statistics are his 5.4 shots per game and 2.5 dribbles per game.
The 26-year old does lose the ball often because of how he likes to play the game – take on players and get into shooting positions, but his work-rate and ability to go past a player would make Arsenal a better side.
Stats via Whoscored
