Transfer News: AC Milan change stance regarding Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech
According to a report by Italian publication, Corriere dello Sport via SempreMilan (h/t Football.london), AC Milan now want to sign Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech on loan instead of a permanent transfer.
The Moroccan wide-man joined the club just last summer in a move from Eredivisie giants, Ajax. But life in English football did not get off to a roaring start for him.
Multiple fitness issues saw him sidelined for a number of games under Frank Lampard. And ever since Thomas Tuchel took over the helm earlier this year, Ziyech’s role is reduced largely to being a squad player in the league. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The report mentions that the Serie A outfit is keen to sign a replacement for the outgoing Hakan Calhanoglu. Ziyech can play as a winger and a No.10, akin to the Turkish international’s role at San Siro.
Ziyech wanted by Milan
And hence, their interest does not come as a surprise. But the 28-year-old is arguably in the prime years of his career. The Blues need a strong squad to be able to withstand the trials and tribulations of the taxing Premier League season.
In that regard, Ziyech could be a useful player for Thomas Tuchel and the Blues should look to utilize his services during his best physical years considering the initial £33.3million fee they splashed on him last summer.
The Blues have a number of players that can double up as central playmakers and as wingers, with Ziyech being one of them. It remains to be seen if he gets a more telling role under Tuchel next season.
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But regardless of that, the German manager would certainly like to have players of Ziyech’s quality to bring on in games, start in cup matches, or slot into the league starting XI for when he wants to shake things up.