Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech has reportedly handed in a transfer request amid interest from AC Milan.
The winger wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after growing frustrated with the club, and Milan are the frontrunner for his signature as they have opened talks with the Blues.
The Moroccan joined Chelsea in 2020 under the stewardship of Frank Lampard. But just two years into his five-year contract, he has grown unhappy about his lack of minutes and is now seeking an exit.
According to Sky Italia, AC Milan have long admired Ziyech, and the Serie A champions are now confident of landing their target this summer.
The 29-year-old joined Chelsea for £33million from Ajax, and according to reports, Thomas Tuchel’s side do not want to make any financial loss on the deal. And so, they are said to prefer a loan deal with an option to buy rather than a permanent deal this summer.
Despite the insistence on a loan agreement, negotiations between the two clubs are underway. But one aspect of the deal that might pose a problem is Ziyech’s Chelsea salary, which is over £5 million a season. Milan’s current financial strength means that they cannot match that salary.
Ziyech has scored 14 goals in 83 appearances since arriving at the club. However, he was rarely given a chance to start games last season, coming on from the bench 13 times in the Premier League.
