Chelsea look set to play a key role in whether Tottenham can complete the signing of AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Hotpsur Way recently as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his midfield.
However, it appears that the Italian giants will not sanction Zaniolo's exit without a replacement lined up. And, it's said that Jose Mourinho has his eyes set on a move for Blues winger Hakim Ziyech.
The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge for some time now but the arrival of Noni Madueke could be the final nail in the coffin. The Blues are open to selling the Morocco international should a suitable offer be tabled, football.london understands.
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It's said that AC Milan tabled a bid of €25million (£21m) in the summer for the Morocco international, with €5million (£4.2million) to be paid this year and €20million (£16.8m) the next but the offer was rejected. Now, according to Italian outlet Gianluca di Marzio, Roma have been in contact with Ziyech's entourage over a potential move.
The report states that Mourinho's side are preparing for the likely exit of Spurs target Zaniolo. However, a move could be difficult to complete, with the Moroccan currently on €6million-a-year (£5.2million) in west London.
Ziyech, who sees his deal expire in 2025, was once out-of-favour at Chelsea but, as of recently, he's been a regular in Graham Potter's side. He's featured in the Blues' starting line-up in recent Premier League fixtures, impressing despite some underwhelming results.
Boehly must now decide whether to keep the winger and risk losing out on as much of a sale fee in the summer or strike while the iron is hot and sell Ziyech but hand arch-rivals Tottenham their dream signing on a plate as a result.
While in Qatar for the World Cup, he was quizzed on his future by Dutch outlet NOS. The winger was asked whether a return to the Eredivisie is on the cards.
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."
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