Arsenal have been boosted in their pursuit of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Adam Maher, after Dutch champions Ajax pulled out of the race to sign the highly rated youngster. The 19-year-old is believed to be a long-standing target for Arsene Wenger. The Gunners were expecting competition from the Amsterdam ArenA club for the player but talkSPORT confirms Ajax have withdrawn from the race.

Adam Maher
Reuters

"I called Adam and his representative Sigi Lens to say that we have made different choices. Additionally, I have said to AZ that we have no interest," Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars told De Telegraaf.

The youngster has been in excellent form in the Eredivisie this season, with 10 goals from 21 appearances in all competitions. Alkmaar manager Gertjan Verbeek believes the midfielder will fit perfectly into the north London squad, should Wenger decide to make an approach for his services in the summer.

"I think Arsenal is a perfect club for him. With Arsene Wenger, who worked with young talents like him before. He can get the most out of himself at Arsenal. Look at Robin van Persie, he joined Arsenal at a young age and look what he achieved," Verbeek told Sky Sports.

Maher was the part of the national side which lost to Italy in the semi final of the European U21 Championship in Israel earlier this month. The Alkmaar star is aware of the growing interest for his services and earlier admitted that he was considering his options and would take a decision on his future later in the summer.

"I will just wait until the summer and see which clubs make a move. I will not make a final decision until then. I know where I want to go. I'm not saying anything has changed. All I'm saying is that I will just wait and see to find out which clubs make an offer," Maher told Goal.com.