Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech has now told his lawyer to find the Moroccan a new team as he is growing frustrated with AC Milan, amid interest from Newcastle and Leeds United.
Newcastle, Leeds target Hakim Ziyech tells lawyer to get him out of Chelsea
According to the Evening Standard, Hakim Ziyech has asked his lawyer to start finding him an alternative route away from Chelsea, as AC Milan are frustrating the midfielder with the slow nature of the Serie A champion’s pursuit of his services so far in the summer window.
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Ziyech is disgruntled at Stamford Bridge, and is open to a move away from west London as he only has a limited role in Thomas Tuchel’s plans. The 29-year-old could also see his role with the Blues become increasingly insignificant with the club looking for another forward.
Tuchel has already added Raheem Sterling so far this summer as he reshapes his frontline with Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner leaving. But the German is not satisfied with those who are still at club, and is now considering a move to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Alternative targets will be considered if Chelsea cannot come to terms with Barcelona for the former Arsenal frontman. And any arrival will leave Ziyech further questioning his role at the Bridge, having so far failed to secure his desired switch to the San Siro with AC Milan.
Ziyech has been hoping for a move to the Scudetto holders throughout the market, but the Rossoneri have been slow to advance their talks. Stefano Pioli’s side have also been eying a loan-to-buy move, which has left Ziyech to now urge his lawyer to find alternative options.
Thomas Tuchel prepared to frustrate Jesse Marsch and Eddie Howe
Tuchel is aware that Ziyech is unhappy at Chelsea, but is willing to keep the Blues’ £33.5m signing from Ajax in 2020. Even though the 40-cap international only started in 14 of his 23 Premier League appearances last term, while striking four goals and laying on three assists.
The German’s system also does not suit Ziyech, as he operates best out on the right-wing – a role not available in Chelsea’s 3-4-3. But the Moroccan can still influence matches, and Tuchel hailed his ‘brilliant’ efforts to score in a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in January.
It is those sort of efforts that have Leeds and Newcastle United interested in a transfer for Ziyech of Chelsea. CBS reporter Ben Jacobs listed the Moroccan maestro as a name on Jesse Marsch’s radar in June, before the Daily Mail reported an asking price of just £8m.
The cut-price valuation Chelsea placed on Ziyech has also earned interest from Newcastle, per Jacobs. Eddie Howe is weighing up a move for the playmaker as he strives to improve his right-wing options. And a switch to St James’ Park may emerge as the sales wind down.
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