Speculation continues to link Milan with a move for Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech this summer, but any potential move could come very late in the transfer window.
The 28-year-old struggled to find his best form in his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, but it was ultimately a successful season for the club in terms of silverware.
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Time will tell if he is set to feature heavily in Thomas Tuchel’s plans moving forward, but as noted by MilanNews, via the paper edition of Corriere dello Sport, the Moroccan international could be a late swoop for Milan, albeit there is still uncertainty over whether or not a deal would be agreed.
Given the creative quality and technical class that Ziyech possesses along with his direct goal threat, the risk noted isn’t in relation to the idea of signing him, as he would be a top-class addition to the current squad given he also has experience and pedigree at the top level.
It’s more so with regards to Milan waiting until the close of the window in the hope that a deal can be done, with the need for it to still be concluded on favourable terms.
That is a gamble as if an agreement can’t be reached, we may well leave it too late to move for an alternative, or perhaps are left looking on as other transfer targets are making moves elsewhere in the coming weeks.
With 49 goals and 81 assists in 165 games for Ajax coupled with his statistics at international level and what he offered Chelsea last season, Ziyech would be an ideal signing for Milan as we look to upgrade on the right wing and add a world-class winger capable of providing us with consistent quality.
Particularly given our return to the Champions League, we need players who have proven that they can operate at that level and unlock defences, and not just offer us a strong work ethic and occasional moments of class.
With that in mind, it’s hope that a deal for Ziyech can materialise, but Milan must have a Plan B in mind leading up to the latter stages of the window to ensure we don’t leave ourselves short. If we go into the new season lacking the creative playmakers in the final third to make the difference for us, it could prove to be a real issue for Stefano Pioli.