Transfer Centre

How Chelsea could line up with Hakim Ziyech

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 12 February 2020

With Chelsea being linked with a move for Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech, Sports Mole takes a look at where the Morocco international could line up at Stamford Bridge.

When it became apparent that Chelsea were not going to be making any signings during January, Frank Lampard cut a frustrated figure after publicly admitting that he wanted to strengthen his attack.

However, less than two weeks since the end of the transfer window, it has been claimed that Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement to sign Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech.

Having helped the Dutch giants to the Champions League semi-finals last season, the 26-year-old has been linked with numerous clubs, including several of Chelsea's Premier League rivals.

Nevertheless, it appears that the Morocco international is ready to make the switch to Stamford Bridge, a ground which he scored at during a European fixture earlier this campaign.

While Chelsea are not short of options in the final third, signing Ziyech for a fee in the region of £40m would prove to be an astute piece of business by the West Londoners.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how the creator could fit into Chelsea's attack next season.

Despite Lampard likely being most impressed with Ziyech's general ability, his versatility could prove to be the biggest asset to the Blues.

Ziyech is capable of featuring as the most offensive-minded player in a midfield three, as well as playing in the number 10 role behind the main striker, likely to be Tammy Abraham.

As it stands, Lampard's preference may be to use Ziyech in one of those two positions, with the Englishman potentially viewing the player as an upgrade to academy graduate Mason Mount.

However, much could depend on whether Chelsea opt to agree fresh terms with long-serving winger Willian, who is currently on course to leave the club on a free transfer in the summer.

Should Chelsea be content with allowing the Brazilian to move elsewhere for nothing, Ziyech would likely act as a like-for-like replacement on the right flank.

Lampard may also feel that he could use Ziyech in a team with no recognised frontman, giving licence to the new signing, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi to rotate along the forward line.