AC Milan look set to finally sign Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea after failing to do so in the summer. The 29-year-old was heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge in the previous transfer window after having fallen out of favour under former boss Thomas Tuchel.
football.london understand that the Blues are open to selling Ziyech should a suitable offer be tabled. It's said that the Italian giants made an offer of €25million (£21million) - with €5million (£4.2millinon) to be paid this year and €20million (£16.8million) the next - in the summer, which was rejected.
According to Football Italia, as quoted by the MailOnline, the Moroccan's lawyer, Sebastien Ledure, has held talks with the Rossoneri over a move this winter as Ziyech looks to secure first-team opportunities. He's featured just five times for Chelsea this season, averaging just 34.4 minutes a game.
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The report states that Ledure met with Milan chiefs earlier this week to discuss a potential move after the World Cup. Ziyech, who sees his contract in west London expire in 2025, is said to be a long-term target for the Italian side, and his lawyer could wrap up a deal. The MailOnline state that Ledure has a good relationship with both Chelsea and Milan, and he would act as an intermediary if talks between the two clubs commence.
Former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has encouraged Ziyech to pursue an exit from west London. Speaking to Dutch television station Ziggo Sport, the Dutchman analysed the winger's demeanour and how he looks unhappy at Chelsea.
"Of course, he never really has a smiley face, but now you can see from everything that he is not having a good time," the former Spurs midfielder said. "I hope he goes to a club where he can just play and not worry about anything else.
"Ziyech is a boy that always has to play when you get him," he said. "When you get players, you buy them not only for their footballing qualities but also for how someone is. Then you can say that Chelsea have so many good players, but guys like him do not like to sit on the bench."
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