ARSENAL’S desire to recruit Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui has been dealt a major setback after reports claim he isn’t interested in a Premier League transfer.
The 24-year-old right-back has only got six months left on his contract with the Dutch giants.
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Mazraoui’s reluctance to commit his long-term future to Erik Ten Hag’s side unless they win the Eredisive, reach the Champions League quarter-finals, and lift the Dutch FA Cup – has sparked a swath of interest from clubs all over Europe – including the Gunners.
And when the Moroccan international revealed that the chances of him remaining with Ajax beyond this season is only 5 percent – Arsenal thought they were in with a chance of signing him.
The Gunners hoped that Mazraoui would want to follow in the footsteps of ex-Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh who plied his trade for the club from 2010 – 2013.
But unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s side, Mazraoui has no intention of heading to the Prem if he does decide to leave Ajax, according to De Telegraaf.
The Dutch outlet also claim that Barcelona are leading the race for the defender’s signature.
Barca’s Chairman Joan Laporta and his advisor Jordi Cruyff have already met in secret with Mazraoui’s super-agent Mino Raiola in a bid to bring him to the Nou Camp.
However, Barca and Arsenal aren’t the only two parties interested in Mazraoui.
The pair will also have to fend off interest from Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan who are avidly chasing Mazraoui, Telegraaf went on to state.
If Telegraaf’s claims prove to be true, the Gunners will have to focus on their attempts to sign Torino right-back Wilfried Singo.
Along with bitter rivals Tottenham, Arsenal have reportedly sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old in action several times this season.
The Gunners are open to getting rid of faltering full-back Cedric Soares at the end of the season.
Soares’ possible exit will leave Arteta needing to find cover for his main-right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu.