It looks as if Hakim Ziyech will be a Chelsea player next season.

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the Blues have reached a verbal agreement with Ajax to sign the Moroccan this summer.

The report claims Ziyech will command a transfer fee of €45 million (£37.8 million) after the two clubs met for advanced negotiations in the last 24 hours.

Chelsea are thought to be the only club Ajax have held talks with regarding his transfer, but with no contract signed, it remains possible for the deal to collapse.

Frank Lampard surely won’t allow that to happen at this stage though, given the calibre of player he’d be getting for a rather modest fee in today’s market.

Ziyech has been a hugely impactful player since making his Eredivisie debut in December 2012.

With 79 goals and 87 assists for Heerenveen, Twente and Ajax, he’s since made 36 more goal contributions than any other player.

It’s during the last two seasons Ziyech has really come into his own, though.

The 26-year-old has contributed 29 goals and 49 assists to date, putting him right up there with Dusan Tadic as the most important figure in Erik ten Hag’s side.

It goes without saying that Chelsea fans have plenty to look forward to if the club can get the deal through.

However, those who witnessed Ajax’s visit to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League group stage earlier this season won’t need reminding of Ziyech’s quality.

The Morocco international provided two assists in a truly brilliant performance that’s still pleasure to watch back.

Relive Ziyech’s highlights in the insane 4-4 draw below…

That masterclass in west London almost perfectly captures everything Ziyech offers from midfield - the only thing missing was a sumptuous goal with his left foot.

Nevertheless, there’s no doubt he offers virtually everything Chelsea need from a summer signing.

Lampard’s side need a more reliable supply of goals if they’re to get anywhere near challenging for major silverware next season.

They’ve struggled for goals since injuries and poor form saw Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi fail to sustain their promising start to the campaign.

Signing Ziyech would be an exciting step in the right direction while also probably leaving some spare cash to put towards signing other attacking reinforcements.