Take a glance at the latest Chelsea transfer news
Hakim Ziyech is reportedly close to leaving Chelsea, as the Moroccan is anticipated to suffer an instant setback due to their planned acquisition of Raphinha. In the race to sign Raphinha, the Blues have moved quickly and forcefully to gain an early advantage. Chelsea has reached an agreement with Leeds for the Brazilian after Barcelona dropped out of contention and Arsenal found it difficult to agree on a price.
In order to discuss his transfer fee, which is worth at least £60 million to the Whites, the player is currently traveling to meet with the owner and acting sporting director Todd Boehly. Chelsea will make a significant statement with the acquisition, as they are also in negotiations with Manchester City for Raheem Sterling. If Raphinha is apprehended, it’s unclear how their interest in Sterling will change.
But with the arrival of the Brazilian, it seems as though Ziyech’s future is finished. The Moroccan has shown signs of resentment in recent months as a result of his inability to secure a regular berth on Thomas Tuchel’s side.
In actuality, Ziyech, who was signed in February 2020 as the first player of the Frank Lampard era, only made 21 starts throughout all leagues in 2021/22. As a result, he was allegedly sought after by a number of teams, including Manchester United and Atletico Madrid.
But it was revealed last week that Ziyech is also appealing to AC Milan. According to reports, a deal is presently closed. Milan and the Blues have reportedly been in negotiations for a number of weeks, according to rumors from Spain. A deal worth £30 million (€35 million) is also reportedly nearing completion. After the contract is signed, Ziyech will be able to speak with the Serie A champions about his personal circumstances.
However, it seems likely that the move will go off without too many difficulties. The player can participate in the Champions League for Milan if he so chooses. Chelsea won’t likely keep the cash in her pocket for very long. Actually, for Raphinha, they are sending twice as much to Leeds.
Ziyech was a player at Chelsea who was obviously talented, but he never quite won Tuchel’s trust. When given a chance, he rarely let the squad down, but there were so many options that he was routinely passed over. In reality, the front positions for the Blues are a huge blessing. Ziyech spent a lot of time on the sidelines under Tuchel, who typically favored players like Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and Christian Pulisic. His move to Milan will give him the chance to restore his spot among the league’s elite playmakers. Ziyech, who has a superb left foot, might blend in rather well in Italy.
Chelsea hasn’t performed horribly with the player, though. They got the Moroccan from Ajax in the height of his career, when he was 27. The 29-year-old Blues were able to negotiate a fee that almost totally recoups their initial outlay. Ziyech participated in 83 games for Chelsea in total, scoring 14 goals. As Juventus’ strict stance looks to be easing, Chelsea is reportedly growing more confident that they can sign Matthijs De Ligt.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Chelsea and Leeds United have achieved a complete understanding about a transfer of Raphinha this summer. Numerous clubs have expressed interest in the Brazilian, who has been linked with leaving the Yorkshire club. Arsenal is the only other party to have submitted a proposal thus far, making it appear like the Blues is the first to reach an agreement with Leeds. However, the Gunners have consistently been passed over because of their inadequate value. Elite clubs’ interest in the 25-year-old is not surprising given his performance since relocating to England from Stade Rennais in 2020.
With nine national team games since his debut in October of last year, he has established himself as a dependable player for Brazil thanks to this form. In response, Tite, the manager, publicly thanked Marcelo Bielsa, his previous manager, for his efforts: ‘I publicly appreciate Bielsa for accompanying and working with Raphinha and all the assistant coaches that got him closer to the national team.’