According to the latest reports, Ajax superstar Hakim Ziyech could be on his way to Premier League club Arsenal as a potential replacement for playmaker Mesut Ozil.
Mesut Ozil has widely been regarded as one of the most talented footballers in the world but the midfield maestro is now 30 years old and not in the good books of Arsenal manager Unai Emery. His staggering wage rate is also pushing the club backward and all signs point to a possible exit from the Emirates Stadium in the summer for Ozil.
Ozil has created and been involved in just nine goals altogether and combined with his lack of regular football this season, it does not make good reading for the World Cup-winning German midfielder. Despite trying his best to fit into Emery’s philosophy and style of play, Ozil is now reaching his twilight years and Arsenal need to look at another player to carry forward that mantle that the German once beard. Therefore it makes sense for Arsenal to replace Ozil in the summer as he is not a workaholic and does not fit the vigorous system under Spanish boss Unai Emery.
However, alarm bells all across the European continent were ringing when Ajax stated that their club talisman Hakim Ziyech could leave the Dutch outfit in the summer. Along with Arsenal, Premier League rivals Liverpool are also showing an interest in signing the Moroccan and bringing him to the Premier League.
The 26 year old has the skill and flair to play for a top club and has the numbers to back his game as well. Ziyech has been involved in 45 goals this season across all competitions of which 16 goals and 17 assists have helped Ajax to the Eredivisie title.
Ziyech is a wonderfully gifted creative genius and would certainly be an upgrade to Ozil in the midfield department for Arsenal. More so, he covers ground more than most of his teammates running his socks off into the ground for his club, doing everything possible to help the team.
The only gamble that Arsenal is taking by trying to sign Ziyech is that he is not too physical and the Premier League has proven to be one of the most physically draining leagues for a skillful footballer.
