Arsenal have been urged to delve into the market and sign a rising star following his impressive endeavours on the international stage.
Indeed, speaking to talkSPORT, Gunners legend Ray Parlour exclaimed that he feels burgeoning Angers talent Azzedine Ounahi would be a sterling addition to an Arsenal team on the rise.
The 49-year-old said: “Ounahi, the No.8, he is different class. Would I take him at Arsenal? Definitely!”
“With that performance and what I’ve seen of him in this tournament, he’s not fazed by big games, the biggest game for his country maybe ever. He just looked so comfortable, he was always on the half-turn and looking to probe and try to get balls in behind the full-backs.”
Morocco have been sensational at the World Cup in Qatar and have seen a batch of their top players now occupying the rumour mill following their closely-contested semi-final defeat to France.
With Mikel Arteta’s Gunners currently topping the Premier League by five points after 14 matches, having failed to qualify for the Champions League for six seasons, it’s fair to say that the club are soaring higher than they have for some time, and the prospective addition of Ounahi might add the stability and assurance required to get them over the finish line.
As per Transfermarkt, the industrious midfielder has played 14 matches for his club so far this term, a pivotal figure in a team languishing at the bottom of Ligue 1.
Despite his struggles at club level, the 22-year-old has continually shown glimpses of his prowess this season. As per Sofascore, the “sensational” maestro – as dubbed by journalist Zach Lowy – has still recorded a passing accuracy of 89%, averaging 1.6 shots per match, creating three big chances and winning 55% of his duels (six per game).
Such glimpses were harnessed and then some in Qatar, with Ounahi’s exploits earning him lavish praise such as “world-class” from one World Cup consultant.
His average rating of 7.05 is an apt reflection of his dominant and tenacious presence at the beating heart of a thriving Morocco team which defied expectations by defeating the likes of Belgium, Spain and Portugal in a unequivocally triumphant campaign.
His 82% pass success rate and match averages of 1.5 tackles and 1.2 interceptions highlight a robust approach which was paramount to his nation’s success, exceptionally completing 91% of his dribbles and winning 67% of his duels, as per Sofascore.
At Arsenal, who have been provided funds by owner Stan Korenke to bolster the squad this winter, Ounahi – who could now be worth up to €45m (£39m) – could breathe fresh life into the team, slowly integrating into life within a top club and adding level upon level to an already commendable skill-set.
