Ajax's Ziyech to join Chelsea in 40m-euro deal

Hakim Ziyech will join Chelsea from Dutch champions Ajax this summer in a 40 million-euro ($43.4 million) deal, the two clubs confirmed Thursday.

The announcement ends days of speculation over the future of the 26-year-old attacking midfielder, a Moroccan international.

"Ajax and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Hakim Ziyech. The player will join the Premier League club on July 1st 2020 and will finish the season in Amsterdam," the Eredivisie champions said in a statement.

"The clubs have agreed a deal of EUR40 million euros. This sum could potentially increase to a maximum of EUR44 million, with variable factors."
Chelsea confirmed the deal, praising Dutch-born Ziyech as a "prolific scorer throughout his career."
The London-based side added: "The move is subject to the player agreeing personal terms and he will remain at the Dutch club for the rest of this season."
- 'Originality, bravery' -
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Dutch media this week said Frank Lampard believed Ziyech "is a top player and such an essential reinforcement to his 11 that he gave the club instructions to have a deal done before the summer."