HAKIM ZIYECH’S Ajax return is reportedly on the verge of collapse.
That’s with the Dutch side refusing to meet Chelsea’s asking price.
Ziyech, 29, is not in Thomas Tuchel’s plans for this season.
And he is desperate to secure a transfer exit before next week’s deadline.
Italian champions AC Milan were leading the race earlier this summer.
And Chelsea’s fierce rivals Spurs have also been linked.
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But former club Ajax emerged as frontrunners after star winger Antony was targeted by Manchester United.
Dutch chiefs reportedly made Ziyech their top option should the Brazilian depart.
And talks were opened with Chelsea this week over a stunning return for the Moroccan.
However, the Mail claims negotiations have ground to a halt over Ziyech’s price-tag.
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It’s believed Ajax only want to pay around £15million to £20m.
But Chelsea want to recoup the £33m they paid to sign Ziyech from Amsterdam in 2020,
Ajax have no intention of handing the full amount back over.
And they are now thought to be looking elsewhere for Antony’s replacement.
It means Ziyech is now at risk of stagnating at Stamford Bridge with other exiles who are yet to receive offers.
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The likes of Marcos Alonso, Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley are all out of favour.
Yet they are becoming increasingly likely to stay, leaving Chelsea to pay their wages until at least January.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
