AC Milan revive interest in Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech

AC Milan have revived their interest in signing Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech as they can’t afford a permanent deal for Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo, Calciomercato report.

The Rossoneri have had a disappointing defence of their Serie A title and they are currently 12 points behind runaway leaders Napoli at the halfway stage of the season.

Manager Stefano Pioli is keen on adding another attacker to the ranks before next week’s deadline but it appears the club’s owners are reluctant to spend on a permanent signing.

Hence, the Rossoneri are no longer in the running to sign Zaniolo. Instead, they have renewed their interest in Ziyech, who could leave Chelsea after their purchase of Noni Madueke.

However, a deal is complicated for the reigning Italian champions. They are only eyeing an initial loan move for the Moroccan, who is also on the radar of several Premier League sides.

Everton have recently proposed a permanent transfer for the versatile attacker, though it is unclear whether the 29-year-old would consider a move to a relegated-threatened outfit.

Ziyech has been a regular starter for the west London giants following a successful World Cup with Morocco. However, there continues to remain speculation that he could leave soon.

Madueke is a specialist right-winger, who has been signed from PSV Eindhoven. There is a high anticipation that the former Tottenham Hotspur graduate will displace Ziyech from the XI.

With Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix (loan from Atletico) also signing for the Blues this month, Ziyech could end up as a fringe player again. We won’t be surprised if he leaves before Tuesday’s deadline.

Milan have been on the trail of the former Ajax star since last summer’s transfer window but their limited budget for January could hamper their prospects of landing his services from Chelsea.

Aside from Everton and Milan, Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest. Chelsea are reluctant to sell to the Magpies, who are a direct rival for the Premier League top four.