Reports: Ziyech to Roma as Early as Monday

Another day, another twist in Roma’s pursuit of Ajax attacker Hakim Ziyech. Late last week we discussed the ongoing negotiations between Roma and Ajax—or perhaps between Ziyech’s agent and Roma—which was truncated by Ajax manager Erik ten Hag openly acknowledging that his star player had “another deal elsewhere.” That ‘elsewhere’ has been, for weeks now, presumed to be Roma due to the mutual attraction between the two parties, as well as Ziyech’s Moroccan teammate and former Roma defender Mehdi Benatia pushing him towards the Eternal City.

Still, there’s a long way between rumor, innuendos and reality. With Roma stockpiling their midfield and attack throughout June, many questioned the continued pursuit of Ziyech, who while incredibly talented, might be a bit redundant now that Javier Pastore was signed.

Nevertheless, with Roma’s ambitions increasing every year, you’ll take as much talent as you can get, right?

All of which leads us to this:

That is Arryadia, a Moroccan TV network, adding significant fuel to the Ziyech to Roma rumor, claiming that not only is their mutual interest between the two parties, but that a deal has actually been struck. And not only that, they claim he’ll be in Rome TOMORROW! Per their report, Ajax and Roma have struck a €30 million deal for the 25-year-old attacking talent, who would be a nice counter to Monchi’s purchases thus far, which have ranged from prospects (Justin Kluivert, Ante Coric etc.) to vets looking at one last shot at glory (Pastore...hey, that rhymes!).

Now, I don’t know a lick about Arryadia, so this very well be just another stick on the rumor pile, but the fact that they not only have a dollar amount but an actual date of completion should raise an eyebrow or two around Rome.

Either way, if you happened to be in the area of Fiumicino tomorrow, maybe bring a scarf, huh?