Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech has been in good spirit so far in 2022/23 pre-season training amid links with a move to AC Milan.
The future of the current Blues forward line has been put into jeopardy since the transfer window opened its doors on the weekend commencing June 10. Romelu Lukaku has already left for an Inter Milan loan return. Meanwhile, Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and the Moroccan himself have had their futures thrown into doubt after it was revealed that new owner Todd Boehly had sanctioned a £200million plus war chest, which included player sales, to revamp the squad with up to six new signings.
Whilst a large chunk will be spent on the defensive rebuild amid strong rumours on Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt and Manchester City's Nathan Aké, it is also understood that the attack is another priority on Boehly's list to tick off. football.london understands that a deal has already been agreed for primary target Raheem Sterling, although moves for Raphinha and Ousmane Dembélé have been put into major doubt, especially as Barcelona now have extra funds to try and ruin the Blues' transfer plans.
READ MORE: Neymar, Trossard - Five Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele transfer alternatives Chelsea will consider
Assuming that multiple attackers were signed over the next few weeks, the likes of the 29-year-old and others could follow Lukaku's footsteps in seeking a new challenge elsewhere. Whilst it is unknown how many players Tuchel wants to retain from the frontline that finished last season, it is understood that Chelsea's No. 22 may not be one of them.
Ziyech racked up a total of 1,764 minutes in the Premier League and Champions League combined last term, as per FBref.com, and could have achieved more if it wasn't for the minor injury niggles that thwarted chunks of his season.
Whilst there have been sparks of genius from the former Ajax man, his inability to stay fit and put together enough consistent good spells of form has led him to an impasse in his Chelsea career. Fabrizio Romano provided the latest on his future as the Italian transfer guru tweeted: "AC Milan & Chelsea will be in direct contact again for Hakim Ziyech deal. Negotiations started two weeks ago and still ongoing to agree on the final formula. Tuchel, open to let Ziyech go - while player would be happy to join Milan this summer. Work in progress."
Other Italian sources have indicated that there is 'high confidence' on both sides that a deal can be agreed upon. Whilst all the uncertainty surrounding his future rumbles on, Ziyech and the other 14 Chelsea stars have been enjoying their light return to pre-season training which commenced this Saturday ahead of the American tour.
In the first training season itself, he and others played the crossbar challenge and it's safe to say that AC Milan could be about to get a baller on their cards for the defence of their Serie A title. As shown in Chelsea's training video, Ziyech's attempt sailed effortlessly onto the bar and the happiness in that moment could be seen on his face.
Bowing out of west London with positive vibes will be a scenario that many Blues fans hope to see in the forthcoming weeks.
Chelsea fans- Would you be happy to see Hakim Ziyech leave this summer and who would be the perfect replacement in your mind? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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