Highly-rated Ajax attacker Hakim Ziyech is set to leave Ajax in the summer. According to reports from the Dutch publication De Telegraaf, which have since been corroborated by David Ornstein, Chelsea have agreed a £40 million deal to sign the Moroccan international.
Chelsea and Ajax Agree Fee for Hakim Ziyech
Lampard Set to Land His Target
Following the club’s transfer ban in the summer and a quiet January window, Frank Lampard is yet to make his mark on his Chelsea squad. Hakim Ziyech would represent a player in the prime of his career. He would improve the attacking options Lampard has at his disposal.
The Blues have been inconsistent this season, despite currently occupying one of the Champions League slots. By signing Ziyech, Lampard is ensuring that Chelsea will improve, rather than resting on their laurels.
What Does Hakim Ziyech Add to Chelsea?
Over the last couple of seasons, Hakim Ziyech has consistently impressed for Ajax. He was part of the side that helped the Dutch club reach the Champions League semi-final last season.
He scored 21 goals in 49 games last season and has continued this rich form in front of goal into this season, where he has scored eight goals in 25 games.
Ziyech will add firepower to the Chelsea squad, something which hasn’t always been present. Tammy Abraham has impressed, though leading the line for a club as big as Chelsea comes with huge pressure and the striker is still young. It is likely that Ziyech will complement, rather than replace, Abraham in Chelsea’s starting line up.
It is the other attackers within Lampard’s ranks that need to be nervously looking over their shoulders. Mateo Kovacic, Pedro, Willian and Christian Pulisic have collectively contributed very little in front of goal this season. Lampard will hope to rectify this problem by adding the Moroccan to his ranks.
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