Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal have all reportedly been alerted by £25 million price tag for Ajax wing wizard Hakim Ziyech.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Hakim Ziyech could be on his way to the Premier League in the summer transfer window, with several clubs attracted by his £25 million valuation. The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are keen on the Moroccan superstar, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich also keeping an eye on him.
Ziyech has always been among the players to look out for since he joined Ajax in the summer of 2016. And, after helping the Dutch giants to the UEFA Europa League final in his maiden campaign, the interest in him has only been increasing. But, the 2018-19 season has sent his stock skyrocketing even further.
Ziyech has phenomenal returns of 19 goals and 20 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, having also played an integral role in Ajax’s shock run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, as well as what could be an Eredivisie title-winning campaign. This has left the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal in his trail.
Manchester United have been desperate to bolster their wide areas – particularly the right wing slot – for several years now, with the team’s current predicament leaving them predictably left-heavy. And so, the in-form wing wizard could be added to the list of viable targets, that also includes teammate David Neres, as per widespread reports.
Liverpool, on the other hand, could be targeting Ziyech as a possible replacement for Sadio Mane, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the club. But, if Mane stays, it is likely that the Reds will only be able to offer him a role that sees him share game time instead of being a firm first-choice, although from their perspective the player’s signing will beef up their squad quite well.
Finally, Arsenal are in a similar state as Manchester United, with Unai Emery bereft of players who can make a sustained impact from the wide areas. Such a situation has seen the Spaniard playing a number of players out of position, which has invariably affected his style of play. To that end, the likes of Thorgan Hazard and several others have been linked with the Gunners, with Ziyech the latest target.
What makes the 26-year-old an even more appealing target for Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal other than his form is the fact that he could be available for a mere £25 million in the summer, as per the report. Having said that, it is hard to see how Ajax will let the player leave for such a measly sum, if they do make their peace with the idea of parting ways with him.
Meanwhile, in addition to Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, the likes of Manchester City and Bayern Munich are also keen on him. While City are hoping to bolster their midfield by signing Ziyech, with Ilkay Gundogan yet to commit to a new deal, the player could potentially be a long-term successor for Arjen Robben at Bayern.
Whatever the future holds for Ziyech, it looks like there are big things lying ahead of the winger. Champions League football might be a factor to snap Ziyech up and it remains to be seen if Manchester United are thus, able to land him, if they are unable to manage a top four finish, or if Arsenal, Liverpool or some other suitor swoops him away instead.
