Hakim Ziyech's Chelsea departure looks very imminent if the latest developments are to be believed at face value.
The Moroccan was introduced to the fray in the 64th minute as Chelsea fell to a miserable 3-0 defeat away to Leeds United at Elland Road. He had a late shot blocked by Kai Havertz but other than that, his and Christian Pulisic's efforts were to no avail in the end. It has been known for a while that the 29-year-old is viewed as surplus to requirements in Thomas Tuchel's eyes.
A move to AC Milan was on the cards earlier in the window but the finances of the deal caused the Rossoneri to back away from negotiations. Step forward his former club AFC Ajax and a certain player has caused manager Alfred Schreuder to consider transfer replacements with an exit imminent despite the manager's stance which suggests otherwise.
Ajax winger Antony has wanted to reunite with Erik ten Hag all summer and after the Red Devils' latest offer fell short of the Dutch Champions' £68million plus £17m in add-ons asking price, the player took it into his own hands to make a stand and therefore as well as missing training, the 22-year-old was AWOL for Ajax's 1-0 away win at Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.
United are expected to eventually land Antony at the expense of Pulisic, but in addition to Eredivisie talent Cody Gakpo as the Glazer family look to ease fan unrest.
But if the Brazilian star was to move to Old Trafford, the Amsterdam-based club will need a replacement and Ziyech seems to be that man who is set for a return.
After the Leeds game, it was understood that Chelsea's soon-to-be former number 22 flew off to The Netherlands to hold face-to-face talks in relation to personal terms and other topics surrounding his potential return.
Journalist Gerjan Hamstelaar tweeted: 'After flying to Amsterdam for talks with Ajax last night, the meeting with #Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech went well. He wants to return to Ajax and personal terms will not be a problem. Everything now depends on Antony's future.'
Maybe Ziyech's brother has already confirmed Antony to United. Abdullah Ziyech tweeted out a picture of his sibling in an Ajax kit, clearly hinting at an imminent transfer return going through.
Chelsea fans - Who do you want to see replace Hakim Ziyech- Wilfried Zaha, Pedro Neto or Anthony Gordon and why? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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