Chelsea have confirmed that they have reached a deal with Ajax to sign Hakim Ziyech in this summer transfer window. According to the very reliable Fabrizio Romano, the London side are ready to fork out €45 million to attain his services. This could be a massive boost for the club after failing to sign a single player in January. But, how will Ziyech fit into the Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge next season?
A replacement for Hazard?
Chelsea haven’t yet managed to sign a proper replacement for Eden Hazard, who joined Real Madrid last summer. The Belgian’s absence has been quite evident this season with the Blues netting 43 goals this term, a majority of which have been scored by Tammy Abraham.
That’s where Ziyech could come into the fray. As mentioned in one of my previous articles, the Moroccan international is one of the most accomplished attackers in the Eredivisie. He is consistent, and he can provide the productivity in the final third, having been involved in at least 20 goals per season ever since his initial breakthrough at FC Twente during the 2014/15 campaign.
While Hazard helped Chelsea with his ability to penetrate defensive lines, Ziyech can provide the creativity as well as the dynamism in the final third. He is also quite dangerous from set-pieces. Therefore, the Moroccan is indeed an ideal replacement for the Belgian superstar, although he might not possess the same quality just yet.
Bad news for Mount?
Ziyech’s arrival at Chelsea might be a massive blow for Mason Mount next season. The young Englishman seems to be one of Lampard’s favourite players in the current squad, having made his Premier League breakthrough this campaign. He has been involved in ten goals in 25 league appearances.
However, after a promising start to the campaign, Mount has drifted off slightly, especially since the turn of the year. He hasn’t been able to maintain his consistency and is yet to score a single league goal since the start of December. As a result, Chelsea have continued to remain overdependent on the services of Abraham and Willian, as far as productivity is concerned.
The addition of Ziyech, in that regard, should provide more competition for Mount in the number ten slot. Although both the players are capable of appearing in a wide-attacking role, it is needless to point out that the 21-year-old will have to enjoy a less prominent role in the starting lineup next season due to the added competition.
Should Chelsea sign more players?
Chelsea should not just limit themselves in the market after securing the services of Ziyech. After failing to sign a single player in January, Blues must undergo an overhaul in the summer, especially in the attacking department.
Olivier Giroud looks set to leave Stamford Bridge, with his contract expiring at the end of the season while Michy Batshuayi hasn’t fared any better. Hence, Lampard could certainly welcome the arrival of a new centre forward, who can compete with Abraham in the number nine slot.
Moreover, the Blues should also sign a new winger as both Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson Odoi have struggled with injuries during this campaign.
