Hakim Ziyech's Chelsea exit takes a big twist as Man United sweat for Ajax's Antony at this late stage of the transfer window.
The Blues are in the process of trying to rebuild and add fresh blood to an attack which has faltered for many seasons now. Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner have already departed with Callum Hudson-Odoi's Bayer Leverkusen loan also imminent despite training hints. Ziyech, 29, came off the bench for a mini cameo in the Leeds United loss and straight after, flew to Ajax for face-to-face talks. Conversations that have led to personal terms being agreed.
Initially, it looked as though it would be a straight loan deal for the Moroccan to return to a club in which he has so many great memories. His brother had hinted at this move with a cryptic Instagram post. Since this hint was dropped though, Ajax have seemingly made progress on potentially making more of the situation as they explore a permanent solution to compensate for a potential Antony exit.
READ MORE: Tottenham look to hijack Chelsea man's return to Ajax to strengthen attacking options
German Hamstelaar's tweet translates to: 'Previously it was thought of rent with option to buy, as well as a definitive purchase is now one of the options, depending on the price tag. The coming hours/days are leading with regard to the sale of Antony'
Since making his stance known by going on strike and watching the latest Man United game with his agent, Antony is determined to seal his Erik ten Hag reunion despite his new manager in Amsterdam not wanting to let him go.
The Telegraph have reported that the Red Devils will need to pay £84m if they are to convince Ajax to sell their star this late on. His representatives are set to remain in London as a power tactic to force the current Eredivisie Champions into a sale. Meanwhile, despite looking ever-increasingly like becoming the Brazilian's replacement, Ziyech has conducted himself in a more amicable way as he was present at the open Stamford Bridge training session on Tuesday while he continued his attendance to Cobham on Wednesday too.
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