Another club is said to have joined the race to sign Hakim Ziyech as the Chelsea winger continues to generate interest. The 29-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge for some time now but the arrival 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. It's said that AC Milan tabled a bid of €25million (£21m) in the summer; with €5million (£4.2million) to be paid this year and €20million (£16.8m) the next, but the offer was rejected.
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 lineup in recent Premier League fixtures, impressing too despite a string of underwhelming results.
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And, his performances appear to have generated interest in his services with an exit on the cards. According to Italian outlet Gianluca di Marzio, AS Roma have been in contact with Ziyech's entourage over a potential move this month.
The report states that Jose Mourinho's side are preparing for the likely exit of Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo. However, a move for Ziyech could be difficult to complete, with the Moroccan currently on €6million-a-year (£5.2million) in west London.
While in Qatar for the World Cup, he was quizzed on his future by Dutch outlet NOS. Ziyech 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."
Then, in late December after Argentina were crowned World champions, Potter told the Moroccan to 'be patient' for opportunities at Chelsea. The winger has since reaped his rewards for doing so but, in turn, attracting the interest of more clubs.
"He played against Man City, and came on against Newcastle. Where he was when we first came, he was a little bit away from the first XI," Potter said at a press conference. "He's been involved in the games and came on in the first game as a sub.
"We know his qualities, we like him as a player, and he plays between the lines with fantastic quality as we saw in the World Cup. At Chelsea, there are always good players who aren't in the starting XI and have to be patient.
"Delighted for him, and kept in touch with him over the World Cup. Delighted for him that he got the game time, delighted for him that he helped his team, he's a good guy and he's got quality."
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