Barcelona are eyeing a deal for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
According to ESPN, Barcelona have contacted Chelsea over the availability of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner amidst a potential January move. The duo was integral to the success of the Blues last season as they sealed a Top 4 spot in the Premier League and won the Champions League.
The pair were signed by Frank Lampard last summer as the London club shelled out nearly £200million to sign a bunch of players. Werner has garnered more appearances than the Moroccan as the former Ajax man has had his fair share of injuries. However, both players have suffered for game-time this season and could be heading for the exit door.
Would Werner and Ziyech want to make the move to Spain? And do Barcelona need the attacking duo?
It felt like Werner was going to be a bench player after the West London club re-signed Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian flourished in Serie A and was set to lead the frontline this season. For the opening month, it looked like the German would have to settle for a squad role but a lot has changed since the end of September.
He was looking good in a strike partnership alongside the former Inter Milan man before both of them suffered injuries. Hakim Ziyech started the current season brilliantly but fell down the pecking order after suffering an injury. Werner and Ziyech starred in the club’s recent victory over Juventus, as the latter set up the former for Chelsea’s fourth goal on the night.
Barcelona are aware that the pair have suffered for minutes and are looking to provide them with an escape route. The Blaugrana club had a poor start to the campaign and eventually sacked Ronald Koeman. They hired Xavi, and the former club captain is looking to stabilise the club.
That shall be a tough job, given that Antonine Griezmann and Lionel Messi left in the summer. To add to that, Sergio Aguero could also go into early retirement after suffering heart issues. Thus, the Spanish outfit might be open to adding as much firepower as they can in January.
Although they do possess Memphis Depay, Werner could form a formidable partnership with the Dutchman. Their creative block could be solved by Ziyech. The pair could be a useful addition for Xavi as he looks to guide the club back into the Top 4.
Barcelona are targeting players that can arrive on a loan deal with an option to buy. They do not want any obligation to buy the players as they might want to test their talent before sealing a permanent transfer. However, it is unlikely that Thomas Tuchel & Chelsea shall allow this.
The German centre-forward remains the only other strike option apart from Lukaku. Moreover, he looks like he is finally getting amongst the goals again. Hakim Ziyech looked good in pre-season for the Blues and recently bagged assists in back-to-back games. Both players form part of the squad that is looking to win the Premier League and retain the UCL title.
Although not out of the realms of possibility, getting both players on a loan deal is a highly optimistic effort by the La Liga club. However, the duo would also understand the prestige of the club and the chance they will have to play under a legend like Xavi. Regardless, Barcelona can try their hand by offering them lucrative contracts, and if everything goes to plan, the pair might be in Spain in 2022.
