Chelsea are considering Leicester’s James Maddison as a potential replacement for Hakim Ziyech, according to Football.London‘s Chris Wheatley.
The website’s Arsenal correspondent claims that both the Gunners and the Blues are keeping tabs on the England international:
Seen some rumours about James Maddison to Arsenal tonight.
I'm told that Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of Maddison and he's certainly a target – but the fee will be an issue.
Chelsea also want him if they lose Ziyech. ? #AFC #CFC
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 15, 2021
Supporters on Twitter are not particularly happy with the links to Maddison, with many feeling that Ziyech is a much better player than the 24-year-old:
Literally a downgrade
— #2 (@FadyCFC) June 16, 2021
Misplaced priorities, and he's painfully average anyways, steer clear ❌❌❌
— Bhekinkosi. (@BlaccSlimshady) June 16, 2021
Huh?? No way.
— Christian Burne (@christianburne) June 16, 2021
Yuck please no
— Raw Talk (@RawTalk5) June 16, 2021
Ziyech is better than Maddison. I dont want to see this happen to be honest.
— Mike ⭐⭐ KTBFFH (@mike_ktbffh) June 16, 2021
I thought we would be getting rid off a attacker because we have too many
— Fletch (@FB_02cfc) June 16, 2021
Not needed
— ?? (@_Aprv17) June 16, 2021
Erm.. no thanks??
— Sergío ✰ ✰ (@Sergyzz) June 16, 2021
That's a no for me
— TJ Ndala (@ThembaJef) June 16, 2021
There have been numerous reports now that manager Thomas Tuchel is considering letting Ziyech leave, with the likes of AC Milan and Napoli said to be interested in the Moroccan international.
Considering the number of options that Chelsea have in forward areas, though, you would think that replacing him wouldn’t be a priority anyway, especially if they are looking at someone like Maddison who likes to play in central areas.
Tuchel already has Mason Mount for that role, and while Maddison’s stats last season were pretty impressive (11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions), the transfer budget could be better spent in strengthening other positions.
