According to The Sun, Arsenal are among the clubs interested in the services of Hakim Ziyech. The Ajax playmaker could potentially spark a bidding war in the summer despite signing a three-year contract extension in Amsterdam last summer. The Gunners are expected to face stiff competition from Chelsea as the Blues are ready to launch a bid for Ziyech. Manchester United are also another interested party according to this report from The Sun.
Why Ziyech should be a transfer priority for Arsenal
Ziyech has been arguably the most consistent attacker in the Eredivisie in the past three-four seasons. Ever since the playmaker’s breakout at FC Twente during the 2014/15 campaign, he has constantly been involved in over 20 goals per season. Overall, the attacker has netted 79 goals and mustered 97 assists in just 213 appearances in the Dutch top division.
These statistics are indicative of Ziyech’s productivity in the final third, which could be beneficial for an Arsenal side that has appeared overreliant on the services of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Indeed, the Gabonese international has netted over 40% of the club’s goals in the Premier League this term.
Moreover, Ziyech can also provide creativity in the final third. The 26-year-old has averaged an incredible tally of 3.7 key passes per game this season. This is considerably higher than any other Arsenal attacker including Mesut Ozil, although one would argue that the Premier League is much more competitive compared to its Dutch counterpart.
Another key aspect of Ziyech’s game is his versatility. The Moroccan international can play as a winger as well as an attacking midfielder. It could make it easier for Mikel Arteta to accomodate him into Arsenal’s starting lineup without having to make too many alterations.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Can Arsenal afford Hakim Ziyech?
Arsenal will hopefully have the funds available for Arteta as he plans to undergo a squad overhaul in the summer. But, as far as Ziyech is concerned, the Moroccan could surely spark a bidding war, especially with the likes of Man United and Chelsea vying for his services.
That’s where the Gunners could plot to offload Ozil. The German has performed well under Arteta. But, at the age of 31, he is nearing the final phase of his career. Given his stupendous wages, it would perhaps be wiser for Arsenal to sell him in the summer. Therefore, Ozil’s departure could help the club invest more money in the transfer market, ultimately helping them in their pursuit of the Ajax playmaker.
The north London side have missed the services of a dynamic attacker following the departure of Alexis Sanchez. Ziyech, in that regard, has the quality to fill in his shoes. And at the age of 26, he can be an ideal long-term investment for Arsenal.
