Transfer News: Chelsea ‘expect’ African star to complete switch to European giants | OneFootball

Transfer News: Chelsea ‘expect’ Hakim Ziyech to move to AC Milan

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are optimistic that Hakim Ziyech would leave the club in the ongoing summer window to complete a potential move to AC Milan.

In 2020, Ziyech moved from Ajax to Chelsea in a £33.3 million deal. At Stamford Bridge, the Moroccan has had trouble securing a spot in the first-team set-up. Thomas Tuchel has used him here and there, but he doesn’t have a fixed space in the starting XI, evident by only 1316 minutes of league football last season.

Despite having to deal with injuries since his arrival at Chelsea two years ago, it’s probably fair to say that Ziyech has fallen short of living up to his reputation as “The Wizard of AMS.” It might be advantageous for everyone for him to move now that Chelsea are prepared to rebuild.

Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech on his way to AC Milan?

On this first day of preseason, Hakim Ziyech is one of over a dozen players who have returned to Chelsea. Over the past few weeks, the 29-year-old has been consistently associated with AC Milan, and the Italian champions seemed optimistic about their chances of signing him this summer.

Now it is believed that Chelsea also expect the Moroccan midfielder to switch to the Rossoneri this summer as the Blues ramp up their efforts to build a squad that can challenge for titles next season. With Raheem Sterling close to joining Thomas Tuchl’s team, they might not feel the potential absence of Ziyech after all.

Under new ownership, Chelsea is going through a significant makeover. Ziyech may not be a member of the new team, which Thomas Tuchel is directly overseeing.

Prior to the upcoming season, Chelsea are seemingly concentrating on adding wingers. Along with other players, they have been closely linked with Ousmane Dembele, Raheem Sterling, and Raphinha.

Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea, with Hakim Ziyech. (Photo by Alastair Grant – Pool/Getty Images)

It makes sense that the Blues are eager to get rid of the former Ajax player as it could help them get some money to finance other deals.

The player may himself want added playing time but it is clearly hard to come by at Chelsea, who are already in the market for attackers. Last summer, Milan also purchased Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud from us and loaned Tiemoue Bakayoko.

Ziyech could have the chance to resurrect his career and focus on being an important member of another top European team. Milan would know they have a man focussed entirely on club football with the Moroccan already having announced his retirement from the national team.