Audio By Carbonatix
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign the Dutch club's winger Hakim Ziyech this summer.
The 26-year-old was a January transfer target for Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
Ajax were unwilling to sell the Morocco international in the transfer window as they chase the Eredevisie title.
Ajax have confirmed they have accepted a fee of 40m euros (£33.3m) - potentially rising to 44m euros (£36.6m) - with the move subject to Ziyech agreeing personal terms.
The signing is the first by Lampard following Chelsea's transfer ban.
The Premier League side were linked with a number of signings in January, including Paris St-Germain forward Edinson Cavani and Napoli striker Dries Mertens.
Lampard's apparent frustration with a lack of new arrivals is understood to have stemmed from clubs refusing to sell rather than any problems with Chelsea's recruitment strategy.
Ziyech contributed to three Ajax goals in a 4-4 draw against Chelsea during their Champions League group game in November.
The most memorable came when the winger's free-kick from near the corner flag curled over Kepa Arrizabalaga's head and hit the far post before rebounding in off the Chelsea goalkeeper for an own goal.
Ziyech played the final 10 minutes of Ajax's 3-0 win against Vitesse in the Dutch Cup on Wednesday, as he returned from a calf injury.
After the game, Ajax boss Erik ten Hag said: "I am not surprised by the news about Ziyech. I know that our players are very popular with the big clubs in Europe. That is just great.
"I have known for a long time what Hakim wants. He has a picture in mind. He knows exactly which clubs he finds interesting and which not. Chelsea is a fantastic club. When it is final, I am very happy for Hakim, and I am very proud of it."
Latest Stories
-
2027 Elections: We need leader who can die for Nigeria – Omotola
26 minutes -
How my children faced death threats during EndSARS – Omotola Jalade
36 minutes -
Egypt plans $1bn Red Sea marina, hotel development
47 minutes -
Appreciation of cedi gave business community some gains – GUTA president
57 minutes -
Pass it on – GUTA boss demands traders share cedi gains with consumers
1 hour -
Prices have come down across board – GUTA president pushes back at public doubts
2 hours -
Trump threatens to block opening of US-Canada bridge
2 hours -
It’s deliberate – GUTA president blasts traders who won’t cut prices
3 hours -
Don’t be greedy in a competitive market – GUTA president warns traders
3 hours -
Mali creates state-owned company to manage mining holdings
3 hours -
Instagram and YouTube owners built ‘addiction machines’, trial hears
5 hours -
Living with Hypertension and Diabetes: Mary Kessewaa’s daily fight for health
5 hours -
Serena Williams can return from 22 February – but will she?
5 hours -
Romero ‘a leader but needs to learn’ – Frank
6 hours -
Al Nassr expect Ronaldo to end strike and play on Saturday
6 hours
