Chelsea could use first-team fringe player Hakim Ziyech as a makeweight in their offer for Leeds United’s wantaway attacker Raphinha.
The Brazil international is wanted by some of the biggest clubs across Europe but recent speculation doing the rounds has suggested that it is Arsenal who are in the driving seat to land the 25-year-old’s coveted signature.
Hoping to pip their local rivals to the highly-rated wide player, Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea are now tipped to send Hakim Ziyech in the opposite direction to convince Leeds into accepting the approach for their prized attacking asset.
Ziyech, since his move to the English capital city in the summer of 2019, has failed to cement a regular berth on the team sheet and is expected to demand his way out the exit door with Tuchel willing to give his nod for the transfer.
Ben Jacobs from CBS Sports, while speaking to Football Terrace, has claimed that the Leeds United camp have registered an interest in signing Ziyech this summer with the Moroccan linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
“Don’t be surprised if Chelsea advance their interest if they bring Hakim Ziyech into the equation because my understanding from talking to Leeds sources separate to Raphinha is that Ziyech, should he leave Chelsea, has been a player on their radar.
“So there might be a possibility to do some business with Raphinha coming one way and Ziyech being given to Leeds. Because Leeds don’t just want a chunk of money for Raphinha to the tune of £55/£60million potentially, they would love to have a ready-made replacement.
“And they see Ziyech as a viable option and that would remain the case even if Raphinha goes elsewhere.”
