Chelsea rejected Barcelona approach to sign 29-year-old Blues attacker back in 2021 - Reports
Chelsea reportedly rejected Barcelona's approach to sign Morrocan winger Hakim Ziyech in 2021.
Ziyech, 29, is enjoying a fabulous 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar with Morocco. The Blues attacker has scored one goal and provided an assist as Walid Regragui's side have reached the semi finals.
However, Ziyech's situation at Chelsea starkly contrasts the phenomenal displays he has conjured up on the international stage. He has endured a difficult time at Stamford Bridge since arriving from Ajax in 2020 for €40 million. Ziyech has made nine appearances across competitions this season, starting only twice.
The Moroccan seems eager to leave west London and reignite his stagnating club career.
star, donated all of his #WorldCup bonuses ($325,000) to poor people in Morocco. This team is historic on many levels.
Hakim Ziyech, 🇲🇦 star, donated all of his #WorldCup bonuses ($325,000) to poor people in Morocco. This team is historic on many levels. https://t.co/JnE9Ll6e5q
However, the winger could already have been playing elsewhere had Chelsea accepted Barcelona's offer in 2021.
According to Spanish outlet Carrusel Deportivo, the Blaugrana were interested in bringing Ziyech to the Camp Nou that summer. Then-Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman met with Ziyech's representatives, and the player was willing to join the La Liga club.
Barcelona proposed a deal, but Chelsea rejected their approach. That was likely much to the bemusement of Ziyech, who continues to struggle for game time at Stamford Bridge. He has made 92 appearances in two and a half seasons, scoring 14 goals and contributing ten assists.
Barcelona close to signing Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona are holding talks with Kante, 31, over a move to the Camp Nou next summer.
A pre-contract agreement is practically in place for the Frenchman to head to Barca as he enters the final months of his contract with the Blues. Kante has been at Stamford Bridge since joining from Leicester City for €35.8 million in 2016.
The defensive midfielder has been a huge hit, making 262 appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 15 assists. He has won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League.
Good to see Ngolo Kante with the rest of the team 💙 https://t.co/IamiVnsfmq
However, injury issues have plagued him recently. Kante has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since August, making just two appearances this season.
It seems that Graham Potter's side are not keen on extending his stay at Stamford Bridge considering his injury struggles. However, the Blaugrana want to take him to La Liga as a replacement for Sergi Busquets. The veteran Spaniard is in the final months of his contract and is inching towards the exit door.