Chelsea target Hakim Ziyech admitted Arsenal transfer was his ‘dream’.. but is now set for £38m move to London rivals
CHELSEA are reportedly set to pip their rivals to the £38million signing of Ajax attacker Hakim Ziyech - despite the Moroccan having previously revealed that he "dreams" of playing for Arsenal.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic couple of seasons with the Dutch club - during which he helped Erik ten Hag's side win the Eredivisie title and KNVB Cup last year.
He also scooped the club's Player of the Year award for the second consecutive campaign last season after chipping in with 21 goals and 24 assists in 49 games.
And the 31 cap international really shot to prominence in last season's run to the Champions League semi-finals, having scored home and away against Real Madrid.
Ziyech has impressed again this term - netting eight goals and setting up an astonishing further 21.
This haul included a hat-trick of assists in the 4-4 Champions League draw at Stamford Bridge back in November.
And while Dutch outlet claim that the Blues have now won the race for the creator's signature - Chelsea haven't always been his London club of choice...
When asked by former team-mate Justin Kluivert who he would like to play for, Ziyech told Ajax TV: "Well, I have two clubs.
"They are Arsenal and Barcelona. That is my ultimate dream."
And speaking on whether he has a footballing idol, he said: "Yes, I actually do have one. [Mesut] Ozil."
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When Kluivert joked if he is better than the German playmaker, Ziyech replied: "No, I’m not even close to Ozil’s level."
Bayern Munich were also thought to be a potential suitor for Ziyech last summer as they looked to replace ageing duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
But it appears that Chelsea have won the race for the much-coveted Ajax star.