Atletico Madrid are reportedly considering making a swoop for Chelsea attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech in the summer transfer window of next year.
According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech has emerged as a transfer target for reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, who want him as the marquee signing for next season.
Ziyech arrived at Chelsea in the summer transfer window last year, signing from Dutch giants AFC Ajax. However, the Moroccan international has had a tough spell at Stamford Bridge, with injuries and fitness issues stopping him from establishing himself as a regular in the lineup for the Blues.
To date, Ziyech has managed just 49 appearances for Chelsea, scoring eight goals and setting up five more. Whether under Frank Lampard or now under Thomas Tuchel, the 28-year-old has been unable to get on a consistent run of form and has not always been able to make the most of his opportunities.
The fact that he has started just two matches in the Premier League this season indicates where he stands in the pecking order for Chelsea when everyone is fit and available for selection. While the Moroccan did score in the Blues’ win over Malmo on Tuesday night in the Champions League, his situation is leading to interest from elsewhere, with Atletico Madrid keen on making a move.
Los Rojiblancos had been linked with a move for Ziyech in the summer transfer window as well, but a transfer never materialised. However, Diego Simeone & co. have retained their interest in the midfielder as they look to add more quality to their attacking unit that already comprises talented players like Thomas Lemar, Angel Correa, Marcos Llorente and Yannick Carrasco, among others.
The report mentioned above claims that Atletico Madrid had tried to land Ziyech when he was still at Ajax and will now launch a fresh attempt to lure him to the Wanda Metropolitano as the marquee signing for the 2022/23 campaign.
Chelsea are not short on options in the attacking midfield position and Ziyech, as things stand, is not a regular starter. However, if he can build upon his midweek display and grow in stature at Stamford Bridge, a sale could be off the table. But if there is no marked improvement in his performance levels, the Blues could look at the possibility of cashing in on him to invest in new players.
