At least two Premier League clubs are monitoring Noussair Mazraoui’s transactions, the English branch of ESPN Monday night. The right-back of Ajax has appeared on the radar at Arsenal and Leeds United, although it is unclear how serious their interest is. Because Mazraoui’s contract expires at the end of this season, a departure from Amsterdam in the winter or summer is realistic.
If he does not sign in the short term, nothing will prevent Mazraoui from entering into talks with interested clubs from abroad from 1 January. He may then already have talks about the conditions for a contract that would apply in the summer. Posted last week La Gazzetta dello Sport that Napoli is also closely monitoring the contract situation of the wing defender. Mazraoui recently let in the program With Andy in the car know that he is still “in full talks” with his club, but that reaching an agreement on an extension “will become more difficult” as time goes on.
Noussair Mazraoui: ‘When am I going to sign up? Andy, I’m telling you honestly…’
Noussair Mazraoui told Andy van der Meijde about his contract situation at Ajax.
“We are still in the process of talking and negotiating. That is really going on now. We have to see what comes out. You are not stupid either. The longer it takes, the harder it gets,” said Mazraoui, who made no secret of the wish to make another transfer. “I am open to it. I also said that to Marc (Overmars, ed.). I am very honest about that.”
“I’ve been with Ajax for seventeen years now,” continued Mazroui. “I’m 23 now and I’m turning 24 (Mazraoui turned 24 on Sunday, ed.), so at some point you go a bit… You know… Then you kind of get the feeling that you’re ready are for the next step. It’s not that I’m saying: it should be this season, but it shouldn’t take longer than two years,” concluded the right back. Mazraoui is the undisputed base player at Ajax this season. In sixteen games, he was good for four goals and three assists.
In the person of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Arsenal already strengthened themselves last summer with a right-back. The 23-year-old Japanese came over from Bologna for a maximum of 23 million euros and is well grounded at his new club. Tomiyasu continues to lead Cédric Soares in the pecking order and was voted Player of the Month by the fans in September. Calum Chambers is the third choice, while Héctor Bellerín is housed by Arsenal at Real Betis. However, Chambers and Bellerín are expected to be sold next summer, with Arsenal focusing on strengthening the right-back position.