Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent months, with Napoli keen.
According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Napoli are hoping to sign Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech. But the Moroccan international is only a backup option for the Serie A champions this summer.
Ziyech has previously come close to leaving the club twice but the moves did not materialise. Paris Saint-Germain nearly agreed on a deal to sign the player back in January, and Ziyech was one step away from moving to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.
The opportunity to play for Napoli could be an attractive option for the player, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops. The Moroccan playmaker, who joined Chelsea in a €40 million deal, has not been able to live up to the expectations at Stamford Bridge, and he has struggled for regular game time.
He will look to get his career back on track and Napoli could provide him with the platform to do so. The Serie A outfit won the league title last season, and they will look to improve their squad and do well in the Champions League next season. Ziyech is a top-class playmaker, and he could make a big difference for Napoli in the final third.
More on #Chukwueze – #Napoli:
▪️ the Champions of 🇮🇹 are monitoring the 🇳🇬 winger but – to date – the price tag set by #Villarreal is considered too high;
▪️ Jeremie #Doku (#Rennes) is alternative on the list, along with Hakim #Ziyech that wants to leave #Chelsea at any cost. pic.twitter.com/AM8qg5dRfz
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 15, 2023
The Moroccan international is versatile enough to operate in the wide areas as well as the central attacking midfielder. He is an exceptional passer in the final third and can be quite effective with his set pieces as well.
He has proven himself with his country in the 2022 FIFA World Cup while previously excelling in the Champions League with Ajax. It is evident that he has not been able to settle into life in English football, and a permanent exit from Chelsea would be ideal for all parties.
The lower intensity and technicality of Italian football will certainly help Ziyech adapt and let him get back to his best once again. The 30-year-old is still very much at the peak of his powers and could be a key player for Napoli in the coming seasons.
The Serie A giants are unlikely to pay big money for him. So it remains to be seen whether Chelsea are ready to sanction his departure for a nominal price. They will likely take a big hit on their €40 million investment from a few years ago.
Chelsea have spent significant sums of money under the new owners to sign new players, and they will need to balance the books now. They have been quite active in getting rid of their fringe players this summer, and selling Ziyech will probably be one of their priorities before the summer transfer window closes.
