Why Hakim Ziyech to Arsenal would be a brilliant move
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech, as per reports from the Sun.
The Ajax playmaker is one of the names linked with a January transfer to Arsenal as the Gunners, under Mikel Arteta, aim to step up their search for reinforcements in the window.
Ziyech has established himself as one of the most sought-after players in European football after his performances for the Dutch side last season. The 26-year-old scored an impressive 16 goals and provided 17 assists in 29 league appearances last season to help Ajax clinch the Eredivisie title.
He also shone during his club’s run to the Champions League semi-final, where they were eventually beaten in dramatic style by Tottenham Hotspur. The Moroccan international netted three goals and laid on three assists during the competition, including a goal in the second-leg against Spurs.
A poor first half to the 2019/2020 Premier League season cost Unai Emery his job back in November and his successor, Arteta, has a big job to get the Gunners in contention for a top-four finish.
Some shrewd signings this month would be key to getting the north London outfit back on track.
Regardless of the money available to spend, Arteta must bolster his squad in a bid to cut the gap on Chelsea, Manchester United among others in their request to return to the Champions League next season.
The 26-year-old played a pivotal role in Ajax’s thrilling 4-4 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in November.
Arsenal might let Mesut Ozil leave the club in the coming window (h/t Daily Express) and doing so would get his massive wages off the bill and free up some space in the squad for a possible new arrival. Although the German is one of the biggest players at the club, he has constantly been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Verdict
If Ozil is to leave the Emirates during the winter window, Arsenal need to bring in a player who will provide something different in the attack. Ziyech has proven to be that player over the past few seasons. It will be a shrewd business from the Gunners if they manage to sign the Moroccan.
