Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea this summer.
29-year-old Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech wants to leave Chelsea this summer, and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on securing his services before the transfer window closes, as per AD.
Ziyech has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and he needs to leave Chelsea in order to play regular first in football. A move to Tottenham could present him with more first-team opportunities, and it remains to be seen whether Spurs can agree on a fee with the London rivals for the technically gifted midfielder.
Ziyech arrived at Chelsea with massive expectations from Ajax, but he has struggled to adapt to English football. The transfer has proven to be underwhelming for all parties so far. The Moroccan playmaker picked up just eight goals and six assists across all competitions for Chelsea last season.
Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is desperate to add some creativity in the final third, and the arrival of the Chelsea midfielder could prove to be an interesting acquisition. Even though, Ziyech has not been able to replicate his success with Ajax in the Premier League, he remains a quality player who has proven himself in the UEFA Champions League.
A world-class manager like Conte could unlock Ziyech’s potential and help him showcase his quality in the Premier League next season after his struggles at Chelsea. The Tottenham boss has some impressive midfielders at their disposal, but they are severely lacking in creativity. Someone like Ziyech will help open up deep defences with his incisive passing and link-up play.
Spurs were heavily linked with a move for Nicolo Zaniolo earlier in the summer, but it seems that AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho has convinced the Italian international to continue at the Serie A club for now. Ziyech appears to be an alternative to Zaniolo, and Tottenham are hoping to hijack his return to Ajax this summer.
The 29-year-old Chelsea playmaker has spoken to his former club regarding a return before the transfer window closes. But there is no doubt that Tottenham have the financial resources to outbid the Dutch champions.
A return to Eredivisie could help Ziyech regain his confidence and form in his comfort zone, and it will be interesting to see what the player decides eventually. Selling the technically gifted midfielder to a direct Premier League rival might not appeal to Chelsea, and Spurs might have to submit a lucrative offer to tempt the Blues.
