Arsenal snub chance to sign Hakim Ziyech despite Ajax superstar costing just £25m and wanting Gunners transfer
ARSENAL have reportedly ended their interest in Hakim Ziyech - even though he would set them back just £25million.
The Moroccan winger admitted it is his dream to play for the Gunners, but cash-strapped Unai Emery will look elsewhere this summer.
According to David Ornstein, the Gunners decided not to pursue a move for Ziyech after carrying out a detailed analysis of the player.
Emery only has £45m to spend on transfer this summer following his side's failure to secure a spot in the Champions League.
But the Gunners could have bagged themselves a bargain if they activated the 26-year-old's £25m release clause.
Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars recently declared that the Morocco international is free to leave this club this summer.
He also attracted interest from Manchester United after racking up 21 goals and 24 assists in 49 games last season.
But during an interview with Ajax TV in 2017, Ziyech admitted his desire to represent the North London giants.
The 26-year-old said: "Well, I have two clubs. They are Arsenal and Barcelona. That is my ultimate dream."
LATEST ARSENAL NEWS
And speaking on whether he has a footballing idol, he said: "Yes, I actually do have one.[Mesut] Ozil."
Ornstein also revealed that the Gunners are set to miss out on the signing of Wilfried Zaha unless Stan Kroenke raises their transfer budget.
Arsenal had been linked to Real Madrid star Mariano Diaz, but he reportedly has no interest of signing for them.