Chelsea weigh up summer move for Ajax sensation Ziyech

Chelsea had an approach for Ajax star Hakim Ziyech turned down in January but remain keen on a summer move, claims The Daily Telegraph.

Frank Lampard was left bitterly disappointed by Chelsea after they failed to make no signings last month but has been promised a budget in excess of £150m for the summer.

Chelsea's pursuit of a new striker was well documented after moves for Dries Mertens and Moussa Dembele fell short and it has now emerged they tried to sign Ziyech from Ajax.

The 26-year-old has been one of the best players in the Eredivisie in the last few years and has tentatively been linked with clubs like Borussia Dortmund in that time.

Ziyech only signed a new contract with Ajax at the start of the campaign and Chelsea's approach late in the January transfer window was quickly shut down.

However, Chelsea remain keen on the Morocco international and will continue to monitor his performances ahead of the summer.

Ziyech has registered double figures for assists in six straight league campaigns and has played a direct hand in 18 goals in as many league appearances this season.

He has remarkably scored or assisted at least 18 more goals than any other player in the Eredivisie since August 2014 (148 in 179 league appearances).