Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech risks pricing himself out of a transfer to AC Milan over the January market. Newcastle United are also interested in signing Morocco’s World Cup star.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports the San Siro outfit are loath to match the substantial salary Ziyech has demanded. AC Milan have never given up on their interest in taking the midfielder to Serie A. But the finances for such a move are proving problematic.
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So, AC Milan are yet to hold fresh talks with Ziyech’s agent since meeting the Chelsea star’s representative in October. It was in those discussions that Rossoneri chiefs learned the 29-year-old wants €7-8m-a-year (£118-135k-a/w). But that is too dear for AC Milan in January.
Chelsea outcast Ziyech risks pricing himself out of a January transfer to AC Milan
It is also more than Ziyech earns at Stamford Bridge having agreed to a €6m-a-year (£101k-a/w) contract when joining them. Chelsea brought Ziyech to the Premier League from Ajax in 2020 for £33.5m. Yet his time in west London has not been as fruitful as either wanted.
Now, Ziyech risks pricing himself out of a transfer to AC Milan as his wage demands make a move from Chelsea extremely complicated. The Rossoneri may be more willing to agree on a larger wage come the summer instead. But his club form may not vindicate any pay rise.
Newcastle are also interested in securing a deal for Morocco’s World Cup star
Ziyech has only played 270 minutes across all competitions with Chelsea this season and is yet to score or assist. The 50-cap Morocco maestro also only has 14 goals and 10 assists in 92 appearances for the Blues. Six of his goals came over 51 Premier League games so far.
Nonetheless, Newcastle are also interested in agreeing Ziyech’s transfer from Chelsea over the upcoming January window. Gianluca Di Marzio has told Soccer News that the Magpies will approach the Blues to discuss a move. But he could yet return to Ajax in the New Year.
Ziyech’s heart is still at the Eredivisie club and he may explore a return to the Johan Cruijff ArenA. Further interest could emerge following a creative, yet sometimes frustrating, time at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He scored one and created a goal en route to the semi-finals.
Morocco boss Walid Regragui also praised Ziyech. He said, via quotes by the Daily Mail: “He’s incredible. A lot of people talk about him as a difficult guy to manage but what I see is that, when you give him love and confidence, he will die for you.”
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