AC Milan’s Hakim Ziyech pursuit has been made easier by Chelsea as they want a mere £8 Million for the winger. However, Ziyech will have to make an effort as well by lowering his wages in order to sign for he Serie A champions.
Ziyech has failed to make a mark since joining the Blues in 2020 from Ajax for a fee of £36 million. Prior to his move, the Moroccan had established himself as one of the dazzling wingers across Europe with Ajax.
Chelsea are now desperate to offload him since they have a got of depth at his position. The likes of Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and new signing Raheem Sterling are all ready to step up in place of Ziyech.
The Blues are eyeing different departments to reinforce, and Ziyech’s sale could add to the funds as well as clear their wage bill by a massive £5 million.
Salary an issue for Milan in closing the deal for Hakim Ziyech
AC Milan have registered their interest in signing Hakim Ziyech since the start of this transfer window. While negotiations have been positive between the clubs, Ziyech’s salary stands as a big issue.
The winger enjoys an annual package of £5 million currently at Chelsea, which needs to take a cut if wants to move to San Siro, according to Milan’s officials.
On the other hand, Milan are exploring other options as well in case their bid to land Ziyech fails. Belgian side Club Bruges’ Charles De Ketelaere is also on their radar, with a official submitted too.
The Italian side has offered £27 million for the striker, which has not been accepted yet by Bruges. Premier League’s Leeds United have gone one better than Milan, tabling a bid of £31 million for De Ketelaere.
As a deal seems highly unlikely between Milan and Bruges for De Ketelaere, the Serie A winners now want to solely focus on Ziyech.
Moreover, Chelsea demanding just £8 million for Ziyech, taking a loss of £28 million on what they paid for him back in 2020 has further helped Milan.
Ziyech’s time however at Stamford Bridge seems to be over whether or not he lands at Milan. He has consistently failed to deliver the numbers he put up at Ajax in Chelsea’s colours.
Where he netted 49 goals and amassed 80 assists in just 164 appearances for Ajax, Ziyech has tallied a mere 14 goals and 10 assists in 83 games so far for the Blues.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has green light the winger’s departure as well after he was left unconvinced by his performances. Moreover, with Sterling’s acquisition Ziyech may find himself accepting a pay-cut to move to San Siro.