KEY POINTS

  • Ziyech scored the winner in Chelsea's 2-1 win Wednesday
  • Chelsea signed Werner and Ziyech in the 2020 summer
  • Barcelona want to sign a forward to strengthen their attack

Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech to FC Barcelona during the 2022 summer window.

Barcelona first contacted Chelsea to enquire about Werner and Ziyech in October and have resumed the negotiations in the past few days, reported Spanish publication SPORT.

Ziyech is Barcelona's preferred option, while both the players are ready to part ways with Chelsea in order to receive more game time, according to Football Espana.

The Catalans are set to begin a new chapter in their history under the management of Xavi Hernandez, who is looking to add another forward to bolster his attack. Barcelona made a loss of $537 million in the last financial year and have debts and future liabilities totaling $1.51 billion. Despite their severe financial crisis, the Camp Nou side has been linked with a few players ahead of the upcoming winter and summer market.

Chelsea signed both Werner and Ziyech ahead of the 2020-21 season. The Blues paid $63 million to RB Leipzig for Werner, while they spent $45 million to bring Ziyech from Ajax. The Stamford Bridge side is open to selling the duo only if Barcelona meet the right financial conditions.

Werner, who is contracted with Chelsea until 2025, has failed to live up to his potential in the Premier League. He moved from Germany to England on the back of 95 goals, while he has managed only 15 strikes in a total of 64 competitive appearances for Chelsea. Even Ziyech's case has been similar. The Moroccan winger has shown glimpses of his talent, scoring seven goals and eight assists in 52 appearances for the club, but injuries have hampered his progression.

Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech celebrates scoring against Atletico Madrid
Hakim Ziyech joined Chelsea from Ajax in 2020 AFP / Ben STANSALL

However, Ziyech scored the winner in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Watford in the league Wednesday after coming off the bench. The Morocco national has now scored three times and assisted further three in 14 competitive appearances for Chelsea in the underway campaign.

Sealing a permanent place in Thomas Tuchel's side has been a task for quite a few players considering the amount of competition in the team. The Blues won the Champions League last season and are a point clear at the top of the 2021-22 Premier League table.

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