According to SPORT, Barcelona are bracing themselves with a couple of busy weeks ahead as they look to sign a replacement for the departed Memphis Depay.
Xavi Hernandez has made it clear that he wants someone to alleviate the loss of the Dutch attacker, and one of the options Barça are considering is Hakim Ziyech.
The Chelsea attacker has offered himself to Camp Nou as he looks to put an end to his disappointing spell at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea themselves appear to be open to sanctioning the sale of the Moroccan international, and perhaps even an exchange deal involving Franck Kessie.
Kessie, a player who has struggled to make a mark since joining Barcelona in the summer, has been considered a potential target for Chelsea. The Blues were initially eyeing a move for Moises Caicedo, but Brighton & Hove Albion have appeared reluctant in offloading the man from Ecuador.
It has led to Chelsea’s interest in Kessie, who offers abundant experience at the highest level of football and has the versatility to succeed at Stamford Bridge. The report suggests Chelsea are ready to conduct a swap deal involving him and Ziyech.
Barcelona, though, are not expected to consider this option. The Catalan entity is favouring a loan agreement or separate deals due to their altercations with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Even then, there are doubts over this operation as Ziyech, for his part, has received offers from PSV Eindhoven and other clubs, whereas Kessie himself has shown no desire to leave Camp Nou in the middle of the season.
There is a chance that the Ivorian could be tempted by Chelsea, but only if the Premier League giants come up with a formal proposal. Either way, the likelihood of a direct swap deal involving Kessie and Ziyech might be close to zero.