Arsenal: Hakim Ziyech makes much more sense than Wilfried Zaha

Arsenal are interested in bringing in a winger. Reported interest in Hakim Ziyech and Wilfried Zaha proves this. Ziyech would make much more sense.

The ever-apparent need for a winger is the topic of discussion once again. Though defensive additions are a must, as is an attacking addition in the wide area. Players such as Wilfried Zaha and Hakim Ziyech have been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks.

Though both have a lot to offer, sensibility must be used if we are to actively try to sign one of the pair. There are an abundance of benefits that come with signing either of the two, however, the signing of Ziyech from Ajax makes much more sense. Here is why.

Hakim Ziyech

Ziyech is a 26-year-old Moroccan international who has attracted interest from some of the most elite clubs in Europe, on the back of his stellar 2018/2019 season.

The tricky winger scored an incredible 16 goals and bagged 17 assists this season in the Eredivisie.  Said statistics, along with some sublime performances in the Champions League, have drawn many eyes to Ziyech.

Though Zaha is a phenomenal player in his own right, and has many benefits that Ziyech does not, the signing of the Moroccan would make much more sense in terms of stats as well as financially.

Furthermore, possibly the most notable aspect of Ziyech is the substantially lower price that would have to be paid.

The Arsenal legend, Marc Overmars, who is currently the technical director of Ajax has come forth, stating that Ziyech will be sold this summer, and has a release clause of £25m. That is an absolute steal, especially in today’s market. The club should go all out for the out-going, underpriced winger.

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Wilfried Zaha

Zaha is an absolutely fantastic player and would be a terrific addition to the Arsenal infrastructure. However, the price tag placed on the Ivorian international is absolutely preposterous, given that his season has been nowhere near as fruitful as that of Ziyech’s.

Crystal Palace are said to be holding out for around £80m. Palace are well within their right to ask for such a high fee, because they obviously do not want him to leave, but maybe the reds of London should look elsewhere, if the fee linked around the pacy winger does not decrease. Zaha has bagged 10 goals and 5 assists this premier League season, which is impressive, however, does not warrant such a hefty fee.

Ziyech and Zaha are both players that would benefit the club immensely. Maybe if Zaha’s price was not so high, there would be more of a debate and a better case for him, especially given his Premier League experience.

However, the club is in a position where the transfer budget is limited, and to be frank, it would be incredibly infuriating if the club spent a large portion or possibly all of the transfer budget on one  player, when cheaper, quality alternatives are available.

There is no guarantee that either player will be brought in, or even that the club are interested in bringing either in, but the need for a winger is blatant and both Ziyech and Zaha would perfectly suit the void.