Noussair Mazraoui is 95 per cent certain that he will leave Eredivisie champions Ajax this year with Premier League giants Leeds United and Arsenal keen, speaking to ESPN.
Full-backs plying their trade at the Johan Cryuff Arena are more attackers than they are defenders.
The fact that Mazraoui has scored five goals in just 16 league games this season – an average of nearly one every three matches – should tell you as much.
The rampaging right-back found the net once again as Ajax leapfrogged title rivals PSV Eindhoven into top-spot with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Phillips Stadium this weekend.
Is that why Arsenal like him? For his adventurous, swashbuckling style? His ability to make a difference in the final third?
Mikel Arteta has just two first-team right-backs at his disposal. But neither Takehiro Tomiyasu or Cedric Soares can hold a candle to Mazraoui when it comes to their attacking output.
According to ESPN, Arsenal will face competition from Leeds United for the 12-time Morocco international.
It’s not hard to imagine Mazraoui thriving in Marcelo Bielsa’s famously free-wheeling approach to the Beautiful Game.
Is Ajax’s Noussair Mazraoui heading to the Premier League?
“I’m out of contract,” the 24-year-old explains when asked about his future at Ajax, translated by Voetbal Primeur.
Mazraoui will be a free agent this summer.
“It is never completely ruled out. But the chance (of a contract extension) is nil. Maybe five percent,” he adds.
“I’ve been playing here for sixteen seasons. It’s a good time to leave. With a free-agent status, it is easier to leave.”
An Everton side crying out for reinforcements on the right-hand flank have been tipped to make a move of their own by former Ajax midfielder Kenneth Perez.
The Toffees continue to be hampered by Financial Fair Play concerns, scuppering a £12 million deal for Denzel Dumfries last year.
Mazraoui, on a free, should be far more attainable.
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