Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech has emerged as a transfer target for Atletico Madrid as Diego Simeone eyes attacking reinforcements.
A recent report from Fichajes has shed some light on Atletico Madrid’s transfer policy this summer. The Spanish giants intend to retain their La Liga title next season and are desperate to enhance their attacking unit by entering the market. Their priority target is Antoine Griezmann, but the move has stalled recently.
As such, Diego Simeone has cropped up a list of three potential alternatives, one that includes Hakim Ziyech. The Chelsea playmaker has been a subject of interest from multiple clubs across Europe this summer, and it appears Atletico Madrid are the latest ones, as they look to prise the former Ajax starlet away from Stamford Bridge.
Ziyech being identified as an alternative for Griezmann indicates how highly Simeone rates the Chelsea attacker, even though he had an underwhelming 2020/21 campaign. He fell behind the likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and even Christian Pulisic in the pecking order, ending the season with just over 1,150 minutes of league football.
Ziyech’s disappointing numbers have already forced Thomas Tuchel to look for alternatives in the market. Interestingly, the Blues have been linked with a move to Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid, which makes things exciting because the Spaniard was reportedly a subject of a potential swap deal involving Griezmann.
Unfortunately, that move has stalled in recent days, giving Chelsea a real shot at signing Saul this summer. It may even bode well for Atletico Madrid, as the Blues should be able to cash in on Ziyech without having to worry about team depth. They have already shipped out Billy Gilmour on a season-long loan deal, though.
Moreover, Olivier Giroud has recently joined AC Milan despite signing a contract extension earlier in the summer. But in Ziyech, Tuchel has someone who clearly hasn’t been able to make himself useful in English football, so a move to Atleti might perhaps give the Moroccan an ideal platform to showcase his quality.
However, Ziyech is not the only option being courted by Atletico Madrid. In addition to him, Los Colchoneros are looking at Goncalo Guedes and Bernardo Silva, who is also targeted by FC Barcelona, although it remains doubtful whether the Catalans will be able to afford the Portuguese international.
