Hakim Ziyech

[evissy]

Chelsea monitoring A**x midfielder Hakim Ziyech as Frank Lampard plans for summer | @Matt_Law_DT

https://t.co/SaRL0eqoux

Seems we are after him. Would be a great addition and a natural replacement for Pedro/Willian. Maybe in the summer then.

 

[Spiller86]

Finally a left footed right winger is linked with us!

He'd bring something different with his crossing but it would take a while for him to adapt. I remember reading a while back that Piet de Visser thought he was not suited to the physical nature of the PL. 

That said I saw evidence that he could adapt over the two legs against us earlier in the year. In the first leg he kept trying to dribble through and being muscled off the ball. He had zero impact. Second leg he dropped into space and whipped in crosses which worked much better and had us in all sorts. 

He's also a great presser of the football. For the right price he'd be a good addition. Hell I'd take Onana and Van de Beek from there too. Maybe it could be buy 2 and get a third  half price.

 

[evissy]

As @telegraaf Chelsea have verbal agreement with A**x to sign Hakim Ziyech for €45m in summer. €30m release clause removed via new deal in Aug. Personal terms not done yet, likely in coming days. #CFC only club in talks with #A**x (since Dec), developed this week @TheAthleticUK

 

[evissy]

This escalated quickly - Chelsea are set to sign Ziyech for around £40million. More to follow on @TeleFootball

 

[Spiller86]

Here is the link. Easy to tell it has been sourced from club media by the way the article refers glowingly to Marina's approach. 

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/02/12/chelsea-poisedto-sign-40m-winger-hakim-ziyech-A**x-summer/

Could be time for the it's happening gifs....

I think he gives us a great corner taker, a good left footed wide player, high pressing and someone who can do something other than dribble on the wing. If he adapts to the more physical English game he could be a top addition. Especially at 40m.

Question is where this might leave a Sancho signing. I think we should still be right in for him. But it does give a nice insurance policy if we miss out.