Hakim Ziyech looks increasing likely to leave Chelsea in the January transfer window as AC Milan prepare an opening bid for the playmaker. The 29-year-old, who led Morocco to a historic 2-0 win over Belgium in the World Cup on Sunday evening, has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge for some time now amid an uncertain future at the club.
football.london understand that the west Londoners are open to selling the Moroccan should a suitable offer be tabled. It's said that the Serie A champions tabled a bid of €25million (£21m) in the summer - with €5million (£4.2m) to be paid this year and €20million (£16.8m) the next, but the bid was rejected.
Despite unsuccessful, the Rossoneri reportedly remain interested in Ziyech and are set to table a fresh bid in January. According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by MilanNews, Milan directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara are considering whether to table a six-month loan with a €15million (£13m) option to buy.
READ MORE: Lionel Messi next club decided as Chelsea receive major transfer warning from PSG
If the Italian side's aforementioned offer is accepted then Chelsea will be losing out on a £8million windfall after having snubbed Milan in the summer. However, a deal may not be easy to complete; the report states that the Rossoneri are hoping that Ziyech will agree to reduce his wages with the winger currently said to be on €6million-a-year (£5.2m) in west London.
Milan's growing interest in Ziyech comes as huge wakeup call to Tottenham, who tried signing the out-of-favour Blues star on summer deadline day. According to the Evening Standard, Spurs emerged as a late escape route for the Moroccan as Antonio Conte looked to further bolster his strike force.
It's said that talks over a move and personal terms were underway late into the window, but a deal collapsed. With growing speculation over Ziyech's future, he was quizzed by the Netherlands outlet NOS while out at the World Cup in Qatar.
The technician was asked whether a return to the Eredivisie is on the cards this winter. As quoted by the Metro, Ziyech replied: "It's hard to say, difficult to say. We don't know what will happen in the winter. It's football, so it's difficult to say."
There's also an incentive for Tottenham to sign Ziyech - the Premier League title. Earlier this month, Rafael van der Vaart insisted that the winger could be the final piece of Conte's title-winning puzzle.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport, the former Tottenham midfielder said: "Hakim Ziyech has to join Tottenham. If Tottenham get Hakim Ziyech, they could win the Premier League. I am serious."
READ NEXT:
Hakim Ziyech and five other players who could leave Chelsea in the January transfer window
Chelsea handed Cristiano Ronaldo warning by Lionel Messi amid huge £186m contract offer
How Lionel Messi can gift Chelsea the surprise transfer solution to Graham Potter's big worry
Full list of Chelsea transfer targets going to the World Cup amid Boehly scouting mission
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
