English Premier League club, Chelsea has finally confirmed reaching an agreement with Dutch club, Ajax over the signing of Hakim Ziyech this summer.
According to the London club, who were in a hot chase for the Morocco international in the January transfer window, said the move is subject to the player agreeing to personal terms. But he will remain at the Dutch club for the rest of this season.
The fee reportedly reached by both Chelsea and Ajax is £33.3m potentially rising to £36.6m.
Hakim Ziyech who is a left-footed attacker will be the first signing for manager Frank Lampard and the club after their transfer ban was lifted. They were also linked to the likes of Paris St-Germain forward Edinson Cavani and Napoli striker Dries Mertens in the January transfer window.
Ziyech contributed to three Ajax goals in a 4-4 draw against Chelsea during their Champions League group game in November.
The most memorable came when the winger’s free-kick from near the corner flag curled over Kepa Arrizabalaga’s head and hit the far post before rebounding in off the Chelsea goalkeeper for an own goal.
Ziyech played the final 10 minutes of Ajax’s 3-0 win against Vitesse in the Dutch Cup on Wednesday, as he returned from a calf injury.
After the game, Ajax boss Erik ten Hag said: “I am not surprised by the news about Ziyech. I know that our players are very popular with the big clubs in Europe. That is just great.
“I have known for a long time what Hakim wants. He has a picture in mind. He knows exactly which clubs he finds interesting and which not. Chelsea is a fantastic club. When it is final, I am very happy for Hakim, and I am very proud of it.”