Chelsea could use Ziyech in deal for £43m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea may look to negotiate a swap deal in future transfer windows that could see winger Hakim Ziyech re-join Ajax with midfielder Edson Alvarez moving to Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly oversaw a summer spend of more than £250 million but Graham Potter could soon demand more funds to bolster his side.

As deadline day rolled around in September, Chelsea launched a late attempt to bring Alvarez to west London with a £43 million offer, although a deal was always going to be tough after Ajax had already bid farewell to the likes of Antony, Sebastien Haller and
Lisandro Martinez.

However, the player has recently fanned the flames of speculation again by revealing to ESPN that he remains ‘very disappointed’ the deal did not come to fruition.

According to reports in Italy, meanwhile, Ziyech remains a target for reigning Serie A champions AC Milan, with the player himself attracted to a San Siro switch.

What has Phillips said on the situation?

Phillips understands that both Milan and Ajax remain interested in bringing Ziyech to Italy and the Netherlands respectively.

The latter deal, the journalists suggests, could propose the chance of a swap deal for the Blues.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “AC Milan and Ajax are both still interested, and Chelsea still have an interest in Edson Alvarez from Ajax, so something could be done there.”

Can Chelsea afford to lose Ziyech?

Potter’s side currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League having won only half of their matches, finding the net on just 17 occasions too.

It is a total 20 fewer than that of reigning champions Manchester City and beaten by the likes of Fulham, Brighton and Brentford.

But in his four Premier League appearances this season, Ziyech is yet to contribute to a goal, leaving his career tally at 110 strikes.

At 29, now appears to be the perfect time for the Moroccan to move on if a suitable offer comes in and would be of benefit to all parties, given the £100,000 per week Chelsea are paying him.