Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic could be the key to raising money for the January transfer window in which the Blues hope to build upon an eventful summer window to further bolster their squad.
Ziyech and Pulisic are both proudly representing their nations of Morocco and the United States, respectively, at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and strong performances and progression out of their respective groups will no doubt see an increase to both their valuation and interest from on-looking clubs.
Moroccan wide man Ziyech, who has made 51 appearances since joining Chelsea from Ajax in 2020, continues to be the subject of interest from Italian Serie A champions AC Milan, who in the summer saw a bid of €25million (£21.5million) rejected by Todd Boehly, with the club mindful that his valuation could reach a potential €45million (£38.5million) should he perform well in Qatar this month.
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Fierce London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be keeping a keen eye on Ziyech's developing situation at Chelsea, with Spurs boss Antonio Conte viewing the the Moroccan as a potential option as cover to winger Dejan Kulusevski. A deal, however, would be far less likely due to the club's rivalry and non-existent transfer dealings in recent years.
His former side, Ajax, with whom he won three trophies with, are also thought to be keen on bringing the former Netherlands youth international back to the club, although with Ziyech's contract not up until 2025, the West London club are in no urgent rush to offload the 29-year-old.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has shown little interest in playing Ziyech since replacing Thomas Tuchel in early September, with the Moroccan only making five Premier League appearances so far this campaign, with only one start.
His concerning club situation will be put to one side for the next month though, with Morocco placed in an evenly contested group that they will be confident in progressing from, following an encouraging if not inspiring 0-0 draw against last edition's finalists, Croatia.
Christian Pulisic has experienced spells of better form with the Blues since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, and at just 24-years-old, time is very much on his side. However, he has also struggled for game time, especially this season, making just three starts from a possible 14 in the Premier League.
Much like Ziyech, Pulisic is arguably the talismanic figure in his national team, the United States, and has already provided for them in their opening group stage game against Wales when his perfectly weighted through ball was turned into an assist by Timothy Weah in their 1-1 draw.
Pulisic has struggled for consistency, scoring 20 and assisting nine in 87 appearances since making the switch to West London and he has often been the victim of his own versatility. But for his national team his role is more clearly defined. Progression out of Group B is well within the USMNT's hands, with a win over Iran next, regardless of the result against England later this evening, likely to ensure a second place finish.
Pulisic will likely be integral to any success the United States enjoy at this World Cup and performances for his national side will only improve his reputation, valuation as well as the number of interested parties. Come January, the winger will be entering the final 18 months of his Chelsea contract, making it a prime time for the club to sell what could be a valuable asset.
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