Arsenal in pole position to beat Manchester United to 25m transfer of Ajax sensation Hakim Ziyech – who idolises Mesut Ozil

Arsenal in pole position to beat Manchester United to 25m transfer of Ajax sensation Hakim Ziyech – who idolises Mesut Ozil
Arsenal are in pole position to beat Manchester United to the signing of Hakim Ziyech this summer, with the winger set to leave Ajax for just 25million.The Morocco international has previously insisted it is his ‘dream’ to play for the Gunners and quotes Mesut Ozil as his hero.GETTY3

Hakim Ziyech claimed it was a ‘dream’ to play for Arsenal back in 2017

Ziyech enjoyed a fantastic season in Amsterdam – helping Erik ten Hag’s side lift the Eredivisie trophy and the KNVB Cup.And, on a personal level, the 26-year-old claimed the club’s Player of the Year award thanks largely to his 21 goals and 24 assists in 49 games.Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars recently revealed Ziyech – who has a release clause of 25million – is free to leave in the summer.The ex-Arsenalwinger said: “He leaves when a top club comes. He is in focus because of his achievements in the Champions League.Getty3

Mesut Ozil is said to by Ziyech’s hero

“Many big clubs are buzzing around him.We promised Hakim [that we would] agree to a good transfer.”And it appears as though a move to north London could well be on the cards, especially if his comments from 2017 are anything to go by.When asked by former team-mate Justin Kluivert who would he like to play for, Ziyech told Ajax TV: “Well, I have two clubs.“They are Arsenal and Barcelona. That is my ultimate dream.”GETTY3

The 26-year-old’s antics in the Champions League against Spurs will certainly endear him to the Arsenal supporters

And speaking on whether he has a footballing idol, he said: “Yes, I actually do have one. [Mesut] Ozil.”Signing Ziyech could be seen as a shrewd piece of business considering alternative target Wilfried Zaha could cost an extortionate sum.The Gunners would reportedly consider a 40million bid for the Ivory Coast international, but current club Crystal Palace are holding out for 80million.

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