AC Milan are looking for an opportunity to bring Hakim Ziyech to San Siro as amid Chelsea’s plans to sell “surplus” players this summer, according to a report from Italy.
It is safe to say that the 28-year-old’s first season at Chelsea fell short of expectations.
He became the first-choice right winger under Frank Lampard but has fallen out of favour since Thomas Tuchel introduced his new 3-4-3 system at the club.
Ziyech still managed to score a few important goals in the last few months but made just 11 starts in Tuchel’s 30 games in charge in all competitions.
He had four goals in that period, but did not register any assist — which is very disappointing for a player with his playmaking ability.
Chelsea are now looking to trim their squad and raise funds for transfers from selling some of their players.
Interestingly, according to Corriere dello Sport (via Tuttomercatoweb), Chelsea deem the Morocco international as a surplus to requirements and might be open to selling him after just one season.
The report mentioned Milan really like Ziyech and could seize the opportunity to sign him, having had a good relationship with Chelsea.
After activating the option to buy defender Fikayo Tomori this week, it remains to be clear whether the Serie A giants could fund a potential permanent deal for Ziyech, though.
However, Milan are reportedly keen to sign him on loan if the winger himself was to push to leave this summer.
Chronicle view
Sending Ziyech on loan would be the last thing Chelsea would want to do this summer, at least if it does not include a mandatory buy clause.
At his age, Ziyech’s value will likely decrease over time, and that would only hurt Chelsea financially.
Even if the former Ajax ace were unhappy about his playing time and to request a transfer move, it should only be a permanent deal.
Ideally, Chelsea should give him more time to prove himself. A season is far from enough time to judge a player who had to adapt and had several injury problems.