Spurs Transfer News: Antonio Conte wants to sign Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech at Tottenham Hotspur
Antonio Conte wants to sign Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech at Tottenham Hotspur, according to Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad (h/t the Express).
The 29-year-old is clearly not favoured by manager Thomas Tuchel in his Chelsea starting XI. The now-retired Morocco international has not started a single game this season.
With just 26 minutes of Premier League action under his belt this month, Ziyech would also know his place in Tuchel’s plans. Conte, in that regard, is smart to earmark the former Ajax man as a transfer target.
Although, it would be interesting where he fits in the Italian manager’s plans if he does sign for us. There is the scope of upgrading on Emerson Royal with a more attacking option as we did on the left-hand side with Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic.
Where next for Ziyech?
But it remains to be seen if Ziyech has the engine and the defensive diligence to play as a right wing-back. Then, there is Dejan Kulusevski’s spot but the Sweden international is in fine form and unlikely to be dropped anytime soon.
Conte’s two central midfielders shoulder a lot of defensive responsibility but they are involved when the team is attacking as well. Ziyech, in that regard, could help us.
Those incisive runs and killer passes have been lacking from our central midfielders and Ziyech, a natural playmaker, can provide that on his day. However, the question of if he can help out the team on the defensive front rises again.
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If Conte apparently does want him, then he must have a plan for him. Ziyech was immense for Ajax under Erik ten Hag, who is now the manager of Man United, and only time will if the Dutchman can use his prior connections to the player to stage a reunion.