Why Arsenal should make a move for Hakim Ziyech in January
Arsenal are making progress slowly and the game against Liverpool at Anfield wasn’t the acid test many hoped it would be. However, there have been signs which denote that Arsenal are capable of making inroads into those Champions League spots with the help of a few new signings.
They’ve strengthened a lot of areas but there still seems to be a lack of creativity in the midfield with Mesut Ozil lacklustre form.
One player the Gunners were linked with over the summer – and a player who would have fitted into so many positions – was Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech, who also represents the Moroccan national side.
The report in the Metro even stated that the 27-year-old wanted the move as he’s been a fan of the club growing up, which is why it was a surprise that Arsenal didn’t move heaven and earth to sign him.
Last season, Ziyech had an incredible 21 goals and 24 assists in all competitions from 49 appearances, including some fantastic performances in the Champions.
He profiles quite similarly to Argentinian international Angel Di Maria as he’s extremely flexible and a tireless runner. He is also left-footed and can chip in with goals and assists despite his slightly slim frame.
Ziyech is used to playing in a system that requires a lot of intensity and energy and this is something Emery always demands from his players.
Arsenal also don’t have the most creative full-backs at the moment. Sead Kolasinac is quite creative but he can be a defensive liability at times.
Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney are injured and haven’t fully recovered, which is why it’s important to have someone who can unlock a defence. A move for Ziyech in January wouldn’t be premature.
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The Gunners face Tottenham Hotspur in the first North London derby of the season and it is a game that they really need to capitalize on. Arsenal have a really good front-three now and should be allowed to gel over time.