AC Milan have now decided to prioritise a move to sign Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech over James Rodriguez of Everton this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Serie A runners-up feel an attacking midfielder and a winger represent the final missing pieces of Stefano Pioli’s puzzle. Rossoneri chiefs hope they can acquire both over the final weeks of the window after settling on a top target.
AC Milan’s primary goal is to loan Ziyech from Chelsea, as the Moroccan endured a difficult first year in London. The 28-year-old only started 15 of 23 Premier League appearances following a £33m move from Ajax that could reach £36.5m.
AC Milan will give Ziyech a starting role next season, but can only loan the £100,000-per-week maestro from Chelsea. And if negotiations with Thomas Tuchel’s Blues fall through, the Rossoneri will eye Real Madrid’s Isco, Dani Ceballos or RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer.
Rodriguez remains on AC Milan’s shortlist with the Italian outfit expecting the Colombian to leave Everton this summer. The playmaker has also expressed his interest in joining the Serie A side, but could now be stuck on Merseyside.
A move to the San Siro is now unlikely due to Rodriguez’s high value and injury record. Antena2 claim the Toffees want €10m (£8.5m) for their £90k-p/w star, who missed 14 Premier League fixtures last season after being sidelined with groin and calf injuries.
Milan would also need Rodriguez to take a pay cut for him to join from Everton, per Corriere dello Sport. Leaving the 80-cap maestro in uncertain territory, as the Liverpool Echo claim Rafa Benitez has told Rodriguez he is free to go for the right price this summer.
Milan stance leaves Rodriguez with one potential Everton exit route
Milan favouring Ziyech over Rodriguez could leave the midfielder with one potential route away from Everton this summer. Correio da Manha claim Porto want to sign the former Real Madrid ace and that his agent, Jorge Mendes, is helping to facilitate a deal.
But Everton are yet to receive any offers matching their valuation, meaning Rodriguez may be stuck at the club. He only has 12-months left on his contract, which features a third-year option, so the Toffees would surely like to have his future resolved this summer.
If Benitez is not planning on utilising Rodriguez, then a move away from Everton is likely, just not to Milan. He, then, is likely relying on Porto pursuing a reunion eight years after leaving the Liga NOS outfit for Monaco. Where he only spent a year before joining Madrid.
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