Chelsea ‘will be happy to listen to offers’ for Hakim Ziyech when the transfer window re-opens for business next month, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
The 29-year-old was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge throughout the summer and could finally secure a new challenge following his impressive exploits at the World Cup.
Chelsea transfer news – Hakim Ziyech
Italian outlet La Gazzetta Dello Sport has claimed that the reigning Serie A champions are looking to bolster their attacking options with Ziyech after missing out on him in the previous window.
It’s believed that Stefano Pioli is eyeing a loan move with an option to buy after pulling off a similar deal for Fikayo Tomori.
90min have also backed up those claims by stating that a temporary switch to Milan is ‘inching closer’ for Ziyech, although the player recently claimed in an interview that ‘it’s difficult to say’ what will happen with his future.
"It's hard to say," he told NOS. "We don't know what will happen in the winter. It's football, so it's difficult to say."
Ziyech still has two and a half years left to run on his £100,000-per-week contract, and Chelsea will surely be keen to recoup as much of their £33 million outlay on him as possible.
What has Phillips said about Ziyech?
Phillips has informed GiveMeSport that Ziyech has ‘got a desire to actively leave Chelsea’ at the first opportunity, meaning a January exit is seemingly on the cards.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
He said: “With Ziyech, he’s wanted to leave for a while, since the summer, since Tuchel was there. So, that's the big difference with the other players we've been speaking about.
“Ziyech has got a desire to actively leave Chelsea as soon as possible. So, Chelsea will be happy to listen to offers for him in January.”
How well has Ziyech been playing?
At Ajax, Ziyech registered a remarkable 49 goals and 81 assists in 165 appearances, yet he has been unable to replicate that sort of form for Chelsea.
The Morocco international has racked up just 24 goal contributions in 92 outings for the Blues and has played just 270 minutes across all competitions this season.
That has not stopped Ziyech from starring for his nation at the World Cup, though, but it is surely too little too late to revive his Chelsea career.
A switch away from Graham Potter’s charges appears to be the best solution for all parties, and Milan look best placed to end his Chelsea nightmare.