Chelsea’s wanton winger Hakim Ziyech completes his Galatasaray medical ahead of move to Turkey’s Süper Lig – as new recruits Romeo Lavia and Deivid Washington undergo their own medicals at Cobham as Blues summer spending soars
- The player has not found favor with the revolving door of Chelsea managers
- The 30-year-old previously sought transfers to PSG and Ronaldo’s side Al-Nassr
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Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has undergone a medical before joining Galatasaray, while the Blues hope to confirm the arrival of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Santos striker Deivid Washington after undergoing medicals yesterday.
The Morocco international – who moved from Ajax in 2020 – has long been out of favor at Stamford Bridge and has previously sought a loan deal and a permanent move at the club in a bid to find playing time and rediscover his powerful form.
In January, a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain fell through on deadline day after Chelsea failed to complete the necessary paperwork to finalize the deal with the Ligue 1 champions.
Earlier in the summer term, an attempt to book a move to the Saudi Pro League fell through after the winger failed his medical after the discovery of a knee problem.
But as Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday, Turkey’s Süper Lig club are keen to move for the 30-year-old, moving closer to a Chelsea exit.
Hakim Ziyech has completed his medical at Galatasaray ahead of a move to the Turkish Süper Lig
Chelsea’s newest recruit Romeo Lavia has also undergone a recent medical for his new club
Deivid Washington is the second Santos player the Blues signed this summer
The West London side have done an efficient job of recruiting midfielders after securing the services of Moises Caicedo for a British record £115 million.
The Blues snatched the former Brighton talent away from Liverpool, who were regarded as the front-runners for the player’s signature after agreeing a £111 million deal with the Seagulls.
But like Romeo Lavia, the Reds’ target, Chelsea eventually triumphed, bringing their mammoth spending since taking over the club in May 2022 to over £900m.
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Lavia’s £58 million deal is being finalized as the player’s current and future clubs negotiate the structure of the 19-year-old’s fee.
Liverpool had rejected three bids for the newcomer and failed to secure a deal to match Southampton’s £50 million asking price with their best bid of £45 million still short.
Lavia indicated on Monday that Chelsea was his preferred option, as it became clear the London side were prepared to live up to Southampton’s appreciation for the midfielder.
Chelsea are looking for Michael Olise after he activated his £35 million exit clause at Palace
Mauricio Pochettino has a number of new players within reach after a very busy period
Mauricio Pochettino’s side previously agreed a £17 million move for Washington, who becomes the second player from the Brazilian side to join the club during their blockbuster run, following in the footsteps of former teammate Angelo.
Chelsea have also activated Crystal Palace star Michael Olise’s £35 million release clause in a bid to bolster their ranks.
The club’s switch to the France international would have aggravated his current squad, and there are concerns at Palace that Chelsea’s possible attack on Olise violates transfer rules and etiquette.
Sources have indicated that the South London club has considered formally reporting their top flight rivals for an illegal rapprochement, but whether they are prepared to take such a drastic step remains to be seen.