Chelsea set huge asking price for Hakim Ziyech amid Ajax transfer talks

Chelsea have set an asking price of around €40 million for Hakim Ziyech amid transfer links between him and a return to Ajax this summer, according to reports.

Since the start of the window, Ziyech has faced an uncertain future at the Blues.

He was heavily linked with a move to AC Milan earlier in the window, but such a deal has not materialised.

The former Moroccan international has now been linked with a move back to Ajax, the club he played for before his move to Chelsea in 2020.

Ziyech thoroughly impressed at the Dutch giants and has tasted success at Stamford Bridge since his transfer, winning the Champions League in his debut campaign.

However, he has struggled for consistency in Thomas Tuchel’s side, and could be set for a departure before the end of the transfer window.

Previous reports revealed that Ajax and Chelsea have scheduled more talks to discuss a potential deal for the attacker.

Should he sign he is likely to be their replacement for Antony, who is linked with a move to Manchester United.

Ziyech’s brother has also recently dropped a hint amid the speculated move back to the Eredivisie, posting a picture on Instagram of the 29-year-old playing for Ajax without a captain or context.

Now, with around one week left of the transfer window, the Blues’ asking price for the player has been revealed.

According to De Telegraaf, Chelsea would want close to €40 million for Ziyech.

Ajax themselves would only like to sign him on a loan deal, with the asking price thought to be too much for them to pay.

Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech (22) traps the ball during the game between Chelsea and Arsenal. (Alamy)

They are yet to decide whether or not they should pursue such an expensive transfer, or set their sights on cheaper alternatives before the end of the window.

Should he leave, Ziyech would be another attacker to depart Chelsea this summer after Romelu Lukaku’s loan to Inter Milan and Timo Werner’s permanent move to RB Leipzig.

However, there could be yet a further outgoing as the Blues reshape their attack.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is set to leave on loan this summer, with a move to Bayer Leverkusen close to completion.

It is thought he rejected two offers from the Premier League as he prefers a move to the Bundesliga.

Leverkusen are also keen to have an option to buy at the end of the season included in a deal as Hudson-Odoi prepares for his first loan spell away from Stamford Bridge.