Why Hakim Ziyech would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal
According to Football.london, Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window.
Ziyech, 26, was linked with a move to Europe’s elite clubs in the summer but he decided to continue in Amsterdam and now he has been told that he can leave Ajax this month, according to Calciomercato (h/t Football.london).
The Moroccan international has become a force to reckon with over the past three years at Ajax but in particular, the last two seasons have seen him become a key figure at the club.
He was named the club’s Player of the Year at the end of last season, where he scored 21 goals and provided 24 assists in all competitions.
He was one of the most influential players in Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-finals last season. He has continued his brilliant form into this season, in which he has scored 8 goals and created 21, including three against Chelsea in the Champions League, the game that saw his best version.
With Ziyech impressing time and again for the Dutch outfit, Arsenal must make a determined move for the playmaker, who has revealed his dreams to play for the Gunners.
Arsenal have made a bright start to the New Year which saw them defeat Manchester United. They looked to have revamped themselves under the Spaniard and there was a lot of difference in their approach, which was missing in the first half of the season.
However, if they are to put in a tremendous display and fight for a higher finish, the manager has to make adjustments to his squad this month so that they can challenge fearlessly in various competitions.
Given the inconsistency in Arsenal’s attacking options, the Spaniard boss must reinforce the attack at the earliest. And Hakim Ziyech would certainly fit their style of play.
Apart from Mesut Ozil, Arsenal have been bereft of a creative playmaker capable of constructing the team’s game and this has affected the Gunners for a number of years. Thus, Ziyech is a player who can be trusted upon to bolster their attack and keep the team moving forward.
Arteta’s pressing style will suit the 26-year-old as he is capable of moving all over the pitch tirelessly and he can easily link up with players around him. He has made it a habit to pick out a killer pass in the final third and this can be effective at the Emirates.
The former FC Twente man, apart from finding his teammates, can also score goals at a decent rate. The video below shows his quality in the opponent’s box and this is what he could bring to North London.
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Verdict
Arteta’s attack would certainly be more creative and fluid if they acquire the services of an attacking playmaker of Ziyech’s calibre. Hence, Arsenal must go all out and sign the Moroccan for £43m, which Ajax are expecting for the player.