Hakim Ziyech: Chelsea in advanced talks to sign Ajax winger for £38m
Last updated on .From the section Chelsea
Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech this summer in a £38m deal that is likely to be announced in the coming days.
The 26-year-old was a January transfer target for Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
But the Dutch club were unwilling to sell in the transfer window as they chase the Eredevisie title.
The signing of the Morocco international would be the first by Lampard following Chelsea's transfer window ban.
Chelsea were linked with a number of signings in the January window including Paris St-Germain forward Edinson Cavani and Napoli striker Dries Mertens.
But Lampard's apparent frustration with a lack of new arrivals is understood to have stemmed from clubs refusing to sell rather than any problems with Chelsea's recruitment strategy.
Ziyech contributed to a memorable Ajax goal against Chelsea in the 4-4 draw in their Champions League group game in November.
The winger's free-kick from near the corner flag, curled over Kepa Arrizabalaga's head and hit the far post before rebounding in off the Chelsea goalkeeper for an own goal.
Ziyech played the final 10 minutes of Ajax's 3-0 win against Vitesse in the Dutch Cup on Wednesday, as he returned from a calf injury.
After the game, Ajax boss Erik ten Hag said: "I am not surprised by the news about Ziyech. I know that our players are very popular with the big clubs in Europe. That is just great.
"I have known for a long time what Hakim wants. He has a picture in mind. He knows exactly which clubs he finds interesting and which not. Chelsea is a fantastic club. When it is final, I am very happy for Hakim, and I am very proud of it."
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Pull the other one, scouser ;)
Outstanding talent.
No more of these Mason Mount type frauds or wastes of spaces like Pedro and Willian. Too many of the so called big PL sides have rubbish playing far too often for them right now.
No offence mate, but maybe its not these big PL sides who've got it wrong, maybe it's your assessment that's wrong? Mount's a superb player, talent, reads the game, strong, etc etc smh
Dodgy chavski tapping up players out of the window. Again.
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Good to know a grown adult still can't get their head around how transfers work
Chelsea must replace Kepa most of all as he is one of the worst keepers Chelsea have had for years, Chelsea have had some great keepers over the years but sad to say Kepa is not one of them.
nothing wrong or illegal with getting your business done early (as long as all parties are in agreement)
KTBFFH
Because Pedro is leaving in the summer and Willian has not re-signed yet.
They could have Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi, new guy and one other?
He would be a good player for Chelsea because they don't have a similar player in their team. It would great for Premier League as a whole as more talent come to play in this competition. And I am saying this as a Liverpool fan.
Says more about you that you believe players such as Mason Mount to be 'frauds' as if all players don't start somewhere.
Mount started the season on fire proving he had earned a spot in that Chelsea team after a good loan season previously; ditto Tammy Abraham.
Form is temporary and I'm sure he'll come back to it.
Messi and Ronaldo were young once too, were they also frauds?
Wow, we've finally unearthed the negativity sink hole at the centre of the internet universe, and it's you! I'm so sorry for you... how sad.
Chelsea sold Hazard and banned to buy so they will be much better team next season.
Cant wait for next season cos Liverpool have ended this season already.
Barkley is also likely to go and Ziyech can play as a 10 if needed too so it's a good move for us.