There’s nothing better than beating one of your rivals to a signing. With that in mind, if Arsenal can bat off the competition to capture Hakim Ziyech it’d send a huge statement to the rest of the top six.

The 26-year-old right winger is another rising star Ajax have thrown into the limelight this season and the Mirror claimed in late April that the Gunners, Man City, Man United and Liverpool are all interested in signing him up. Indeed, Arsenal should put all their weight behind this guy and forget Dennis Praet.

Unai Emery’s side are also believed to be after Praet according to the Daily Star, but he’s miles behind Ziyech considering he’s still playing for Sampdoria rather than one of Europe’s top clubs. He may be younger, but Arsenal need success now.

Ziyech has shone in the Eredivisie this season, scoring 16 goals and making 15 assists. He’s even scored two and assisted three this Champions League campaign, so he can certainly perform in more competitive matches too. What’s there not to like about that?

He’d be a huge upgrade on their attacking players already, and that includes outgoing Aaron Ramsey. If they sign him he’ll make Arsenal’s attack unbearable to defend against because they’ve got such depth up there. It’ll have a phycological impact on their rivals too.

If Arsenal can beat their main rivals to his signature, it shows they’re ready to battle for the title with the likes of Liverpool and City. They have some way to go, but if they can pull this off, they can make it all the way.

Arsenal fans, what do you think it will take for Arsenal to challenge for the title next season? Join the discussion by commenting below...