Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Atletico Madrid ‘seriously’ interested in Chelsea midfielder if deal can be possible

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech celebrating

Hakim Ziyech will become a serious target for Atletico Madrid should Chelsea be cleared to make player sales in the summer, per reports in Spain.

Until a potential takeover goes through, any transfer business is off the table for Chelsea. They will be hoping to complete the process of changing ownership by the summer so they can take the opportunity to modify their squad.

If that becomes possible, then one man whose future will be at risk is Ziyech. He has not quite lived up to expectations since signing from Ajax in the summer of 2020.

The attacking midfielder’s output of 14 goals from 71 Chelsea appearances is not the worst for a player of his position. But considering he scored 49 goals in 165 games for Ajax, they could have expected more.

Therefore, Fichajes are predicting that Chelsea could move him on if they are able to. What’s more, Atletico Madrid are established as potential buyers.

Atletico have had their eyes on the Morocco international for a long time. As and when Chelsea are ready to sell him, the Spaniards will still be keen.

Ziyech has never played in La Liga before, but has been attracting Spanish interest during his Chelsea spell. Atletico are aiming to be the ones to benefit if they can take him before his contract expires in 2025.

Diego Simeone still believes Ziyech is capable of fulfilling his potential in the Spanish capital after reaching the age of 29. There are no details yet about how much he may have to spend to get the attacking midfielder, although that is understandable in the current circumstances.

Ziyech value declining

Hakim Ziyech celebrates scoring for Chelsea

Ziyech was a £36m investment for Chelsea a couple of years ago. But according to Transfermarkt, his market value has dropped since then.

Still, it would be up to Chelsea to set their own asking price for the Dutch-born ace depending on when they can start to make transfers in either direction again.

Ziyech has made 15 appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring four goals. He has added the same number of goals from 17 further appearances in other competitions.

A member of the Chelsea squad that won the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup, Ziyech would be hoping to help elevate Atletico’s standards too if he was to move. They won La Liga last season but have slipped off the pace again this term.

Still, Champions League football is more than likely to be on offer. It would therefore be an interesting move for him to consider – but he will have to wait for the time being.

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