Ajax have confirmed that they have agreed a deal to sell winger Hakim Ziyech to Chelsea in the summer.
The Blues had pursued Ziyech during January, but found that the Eredivisie side were unwilling to sell until the end of the season.
Negotiations continued after the closure of the winter window and an agreement was reached on Wednesday, with both clubs now taking to their official websites to confirm that the Moroccan will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
The deal is worth an initial €40m, but can rise to €44m through a number of variables and add-ons.
Chelsea had the perfect chance to scout Ziyech earlier in the season when the two sides met in the Champions League. During the 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge, he finished with three assists and completely dominated the game, and Chelsea were obviously impressed.
It was a continuation of the form which he had shown last season, which saw him star against the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus en route to the Champions League semi-finals.
A number of sides across Europe were keen on Ziyech, but Chelsea have won the race for his signature to make him their first senior signing since the transfer ban was lifted in late 2019.
Having spent his recent career as a winger, Ziyech is seen as a replacement for Pedro, who is expected to walk away from Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of the season.
We have some Hakim Ziyech news… 👀
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 13, 2020
However, he is also comfortable in a central role and will give Frank Lampard another option to play in behind striker Tammy Abraham next season.
Alongside Ziyech, the Blues remain interested in re-signing Jérémie Boga from Sassuolo, while links to Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho refuse to disappear, despite intense competition from Manchester United.
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Source : 90min