Transfer News: Chelsea could sell Hakim Ziyech amid Napoli interest
According to transfer news from Calciomercato (h/t Daily Star), Chelsea could be ready to part ways with Hakim Ziyech this summer, amid interest from Serie A side Napoli.
Ziyech arrived at Chelsea only last summer from Dutch champions AFC Ajax in a deal worth €40m initial fee. After a bright beginning though, things have hit rough terrain for the Moroccan international at Stamford Bridge with injuries playing a role in his difficult debut season.
Even when he has been fit, Ziyech wasn’t favoured a great deal by manager Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Frank Lampard midway through the season. As a result, the 28-year-old ended his debut Premier League season with just 23 appearances (15 starts), in which he managed a return of two goals and three assists.
Heading into the upcoming transfer window, Chelsea are set for more heavy investments in the attacking department, which could mean the club will have to cut some players from the current roster. Tuchel has admitted that some hard decisions need to be made in the summer. (h/t Daily Star)
And Ziyech could be at the receiving end of said tough calls, with Serie A side Napoli waiting in the wings to swoop him away in the upcoming transfer window.
Ziyech still has four years left on his contract with Chelsea. And, despite some missteps, there have been encouraging signs as well, such as the FA Cup semi-final goal against Manchester City, the strike against Atletico Madrid in the UCL Round of 16 stages, among others.
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Cutting him loose just after ten months, in what was a difficult season due to the cramped schedule would certainly be harsh. The Moroccan has plenty of quality and needs to be given time and opportunity to come good at the Bridge. At his best, he can be a huge asset for the club.
