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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Arsenal 'lead race' for Hakim Ziyech - who will be allowed to leave Ajax this summer

Arsenal could land a major coup in this summer's transfer market, as they lead the race for Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech .

The Moroccan international has received widespread praise for his part in the Dutch club's impressive Champions League campaign.

Ziyech's performances have put him in the shop window, and Ajax have revealed they will not stand in his way if a big club comes calling.

And according to TalkSport , that could be good news for Arsenal, with the 26-year-old reportedly keen on a £25m move to the Emirates.

Ziyech was asked previously which other teams he would like to play for, and said: "Well, I have two clubs. They are Arsenal and Barcelona . That is my ultimate dream.”

Ajax's Hakim Ziyech has revealed it is his "ultimate dream" to play for Arsenal (Getty Images)

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Ajax's Player of the Year has had a sterling season in front of goal, netting 21 times and providing 24 assists.

The club's sporting director and Arsenal legend, Marc Overmars, conceded that Ajax were now powerless to keep hold of Ziyech.

Overmars said: "He leaves when a top club comes. He is in focus because of his achievements in the Champions League.

“Many big clubs are buzzing around him. We promised Hakim [that we would] agree to a good transfer.”

Ziyech has dazzled in Ajax's Champions League campaign this season (Getty Images)

With Barcelona not thought to be interested, that leaves the door open for Arsenal, who are in the market for a winger, and have the added pulling power of Ziyech's hero among their ranks.

Ziyech previously admitted that Gunners midfielder Mesut Ozil is his footballing idol.

A move for Ziyech could be an attractive prospect for Gunners boss Unai Emery, if he fails with an approach for Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

Ajax's sporting director Marc Overmars has agreed to arrange a good transfer for Ziyech (Getty Images)

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With Arsenal yet to qualify for next season's Champions League, Emery's transfer budget is still to be confirmed.

Palace are demanding £80 million for Zaha, whilst Emery is keen on a part-exchange deal .

It is unlikely Ziyech would turn down a move to Arsenal, even if they did miss out on Champions League football next term.

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