Arsenal are firm favourites to sign Ajax superstar Hakim Ziyech, it has been claimed.
According to Talksport, Arsenal are set to beat Manchester United in the pursuit of Hakim Ziyech. The Gunners are ready to sanction a £25 million move for the Moroccan international, who is free to leave Ajax following an excellent campaign.
Ziyech is believed to be a huge admirer of Arsenal superstar Mesut Ozil and has admitted it would be a ‘dream’ to play for the Gunners one day. That dream could soon become a reality as the north London giants are closing in on £25 million capture this summer.
Hakim Ziyech: A sensible choice by Unai Emery
Unai Emery will be desperate to add to his attacking options in the ongoing summer transfer window. Although Arsenal ended their 2018/19 Premier League campaign as the league’s third most potent attacking side, they are lacking the services of reliable options in the creative department.
Aaron Ramsey, one of the few consistent performers for the club in the recently concluded season, will join Juventus on a free transfer. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Ozil have both struggled with lack of form and while we are unlikely to see them ultimately depart, there is a cloud of uncertainty regarding their future and their ability to put in consistent displays week in week out.
Ozil, in particular, reportedly bags £350k a week and his departure will allow Arsenal to fund moves for their transfer targets. Ziyech, in that regard, will be a smart investment.
The 26-year-old was in sublime form in the Eredivisie this past season, having been involved in 33 goals in 29 matches – making him the league’s third most productive attacker. He trails just behind Luuk de Jong and ex-Southampton winger and current Ajax teammate Dusan Tadic.
Ziyech’s ability to carve out space for his teammates will offer much more freedom for the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, both of who have been potent in front of goal this season. In addition, the Moroccan international is always on the lookout for an opportunity to test the keeper, having averaged a whopping 5.3 shots on goal per game this season.
However, what makes Ziyech such an appealing target for Arsenal is the mobility he offers in the final third. Unlike Ozil, the 26-year-old is capable of destabilising the opposition defences with his pace and dynamism. That means he’ll likely thrive under Emery’s tactical philosophy at the Emirates.
And for a fee of just £25 million, Ziyech will be no less than a bargain for Arsenal as they look to make a push for the top-four places next season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored