Arsenal’s hopes of singing Hakim Ziyech this summer could hinge on tonight's Europa League final date with Chelsea in Baku.
The Gunners missed out a top-four spot in the Premier League, meaning any hopes of landing Champions League football come down to winning Europe’s other competition.
They will take on Chelsea, who finished third, bidding to win their first trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2017 against, yes you guessed it, Chelsea.
Unai Emery’s hopes of luring top European talent to the Emirates could hinge on their success tonight.
Ziyech, who is one of the club’s priorities this summer, can leave Ajax for as little as £25m due to a release clause in his deal. A bargain, if his Champions League performances from this season are anything to go by.
The winger has also helped the club to the Eredivisie and the KNVB cup, along with their Champions League exploits.
On a personal note, the 26-year-old also claimed the club’s Player of the Year award, after netting 21 goals and 24 assists in 49 games.
In a 2017 interview with Ajax TV, Ziyech did reveal that his 'dream' was to play for Arsenal.
"Well, I have two clubs. They are Arsenal and Barcelona. That is my ultimate dream," was his answer when asked if there was any particular club that he'd love to play for.
"Yes, I actually do have one. [Mesut] Ozil," he said.
When asked if he is better than Arsenal's No 10, Ziyech replied: "No, I'm not even close to Ozil's level."
With that in mind, the pieces seem to be falling in place for a summer move. All that is missing is Champions League football, which could prove a tipping point during negotiations.
If Emery is to be able to improve the Gunners and lead them beyond their fifth-place finish this term, the club must target players of Ziyech’s stature.
With a host of other leading European giants, such as Barcelona, vying for his signature, Champions League football is a necessity.
Without it, Arsenal could miss out on yet another important addition; another player to slip through their fingertips.
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