Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech has appeared as a transfer target for Atletico Madrid as the Argentine manager wants to strengthen the front-line during this summer transfer window.
Los Colchoneros intend to retain their La Liga trophy next campaign and are desperate to bolster their attack by entering the market. Atletico Madrid main target is Antoine Griezmann, but the transfer has stalled previously.
As such, the Argentine tactician has cropped up a list of three possible options, one that includes Morocco international.
Ziyech has been a subject of interest from many teams around Europe this transfer window, and it appears La Liga giants are the latest ones, as they look to prise the attacker away from Chelsea.
Hakim being identified as an alternative for Antoine Griezmann indicates how highly Diego Simeone rates the playmaker, even though he had an underwhelming 2020/21 season.
The 28-year-old attacker fell behind the likes of Mount, Havertz and even Pulisic in the pecking order, ending the campaign with only over 1,150 minutes of league football.
The Moroccan attacker’s bad numbers have already forced the German manager to look for options in the market.
Interestingly, Chelsea have been linked with a move to Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid, which makes things exciting because the Spanish midfielder was reportedly a subject of a possible swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann.
Unfortunately, that transfer has stalled in recent days, giving the Blues a real shot at signing Niguez this transfer window. It may even bode well for Los Colchoneros, as the London club should be able to cash in on Hakim without having to worry about club depth.
Chelsea have already shipped out Billy Gilmour on a season-long loan deal, though. Moreover, Olivier Giroud has previously joined Milan despite signing a contract extension earlier this summer.
But in the African attacker, Thomas Tuchel has someone who hasn’t been able to make himself useful in Premier League, so a move to the Spanish club might perhaps give the playmaker the perfect platform to showcase his quality.
However, Hakim is not the only alternative being courted by the La Liga giants. In addition to him, Atletico Madrid are looking at Goncalo Guedes and Bernardo Silva, who Barcelona also targets.
However, it stays doubtful whether the Blaugrana will be able to afford the Portuguese attacker. Ziyech showed glimpses of quality during his debut campaign as a Blues footballer but struggled to establish himself as a starter.
