Serie A champions AC Milan have reportedly initiated discussions with Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech, who could leave Chelsea soon.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Hakim Ziyech is the subject of interest from AC Milan over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Moroccan playmaker is open to joining the Serie A giants amid rising uncertainties surrounding his future at Chelsea.
Hakim Ziyech joined Chelsea from Ajax in July 2020 and has endured a frustrating stint with the Blues since then. The 29-year-old playmaker was supposed to be the long-term creative solution for the west London club. But injuries and poor form have played spoilsport, rendering him a rotation option for Thomas Tuchel.
The Moroccan international endured a difficult 2021/22 season, starting 27 of the 63 games that Chelsea played while managing a forgettable tally of eight goals and six assists. And Chelsea will not be opposed to cutting their losses on Ziyech in the summer transfer window, with AC Milan ready to secure his services.
The interest from AC Milan is not surprising, considering Stefano Pioli’s side did not necessarily ooze creativity despite winning the Serie A title for the first time in 11 years. Brahim Diaz, Alexis Saelemaekers, and Junior Messias blew hot and cold, while Rafael Leao posed a direct threat from the left flank.
Hakim Ziyech can leave Chelsea this summer, confirmed. AC Milan are interested in signing him – talks are already ongoing with player’s camp. ?? #CFC
Ziyech would be open to joining AC Milan, talks will continue in the coming days as per @DiMarzio. https://t.co/YupSKotl3S
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022
The onus of creativity fell on Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria, and AC Milan will need better playmaking output from the attackers, bringing Ziyech into the picture. While Diaz could join AC Milan permanently from Real Madrid this summer, the Chelsea playmaker could push him to improve his tally next season.
Alternatively, Ziyech could also be an option for the right-wing berth, where he could be an upgrade over Saelemaekers and Messias. And talks between AC Milan and the Chelsea forward have already begun, with the player open to joining the Rossoneri in the summer transfer window.
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With Chelsea ready to offload Ziyech this summer, a transfer might not take long to materialise. But it will be interesting to see if the discussions between AC Milan and Chelsea progress smoothly once the two parties touch base. A summer departure looks likely for Ziyech.
