Arsenal transfer target Noussair Mazraoui reveals there’s only ‘5 per cent chance’ he stays at Ajax in boost to Gunners
ARSENAL have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Ajax right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
The 24-year-old Moroccan international is into the final six months of his contract with and has been linked with the Gunners in the past.
Leeds too are said to be keen, as are Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Mazraoui admitted there’s just a ‘five per cent’ chance that he will pen an Ajax contract extension beyond the end of the campaign.
When asked by Dutch media on his plans for next season, Mazraoui said: “That’s a good question. I think the chances of me remaining at Ajax are very small, maybe 5%.
“I am open for something new, I have played here for 16 years and I think it’s a good moment to leave.”
Mazraoui has been with Ajax since he was just eight-years-old, and has played 125 times for the club.
But with his contract expiring, the full-back has decided it’s time for a new challenge elsewhere.
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He’s free to negotiate with Arsenal, or any other interested party, with less than six months remaining on his deal.
Arsenal signed Takehiro Tomiyasu in the summer to replace Hector Bellerin at right-back, who left the club to join Real Betis on loan.
With Bellerin likely to leave permanently, Mazraoui could come in to provide competition for Tomiyasu, and bolster Mikel Arteta’s options in the position.
Mazraoui has played 16 times in the league for Ajax this season, starting on all 16 occasions.
He also helped Ajax qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League with flying colours, as the club topped Group C with six wins from six.
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