Atletico Madrid plotting Hakim Ziyech swoop

Atletico Madrid are exploring the possibility of signing Hakim Ziyech in the summer, as the attacking midfielder seems discontent with life at Chelsea.

Acco9rding to Fichajes, Atletico Madrid hold considerable interest in Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech, who may not be happy at Stamford Bridge. The 29-year-old playmaker’s move may yet depend on how the Blues can proceed in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea were hailed for their capture of Hakim Ziyech back in 2020, with the playmaker coming to England on the back of impressive seasons with Ajax. He was central to their semi-final charge in the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League.

However, things have not gone as planned at Chelsea, with the Moroccan failing to convince either Frank Lampard or Thomas Tuchel to carve out a permanent place in the team. The playmaker has always been in and out of the squad, performing well in patches.

He may still be a classy player who could be relied upon occasionally, but Ziyech is at an age where he dreams of playing regularly. The Blues were considering loaning him out in the January transfer window, with considerable interest in the attacking midfielder from AC Milan.

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Bayern Munich were also interested alongside Serie A giants Inter Milan and La Liga bigwigs Barcelona, although it is unclear whether they retain hopes of signing him in the upcoming summer transfer window. There could be other clubs in the mix if his situation becomes clearer.

Atletico Madrid are the latest team to express an interest in the Moroccan star. Diego Simeone is always looking for experienced players who can improve his squad. Ziyech plays with a style that may come to suit the Rojiblancos, who have struggled for creativity this season.

Bringing in a player who could create chances for the forwards regularly is on Simeone’s agenda. Financially, Atletico could pay the necessary fee to prize the Chelsea star away, although the major problems remain with the English club and their situation due to the sanctions on their owner.

Roman Abramovich’s connections with Russian president Vladimir Putin led to the UK Government sanctioning him, in turn affecting the operations at Chelsea as well. As part of the sanctions, the Blues are unable to buy or sell players, which could put a potential departure of Ziyech in doubt.

Also Read: Chelsea and Abramovich in limbo: What do the UK government sanctions mean for the club?

Moreover, Chelsea may not be in a hurry to sell their player who has a contract until 2025. However, things could be different if Ziyech demands an exit to join a side like Atletico Madrid, where he can have a more prominent role.