Report: Ajax agree to sell Ziyech to Chelsea for €45M

Chelsea are getting a head start on the summer signing period.

The Blues are poised to add Hakim Ziyech after reaching a verbal agreement with Ajax to sign the Dutch-born Moroccan international for €45 million, according to Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf.

Chelsea have been in contact with Ajax since December, while personal terms with the 26-year-old could be completed in the coming days, The Athletic's David Ornstein reports.

The Premier League club made an approach to procure Ziyech's services last month but ultimately failed before the January transfer window closed, according to The Telegraph's Matt Law.

Ziyech was one of a handful of Ajax players tipped to leave the Dutch club following its unexpected run to the Champions League semifinals last season. Instead, he signed a new contract in August, which removed his €30-million release clause to recoup a higher fee in a possible future transfer.

The midfielder played an influential role during Ajax's visit to Stamford Bridge earlier this campaign, providing two assists in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Chelsea in the Champions League group stage.