A former AC Milan manager believes the Italian giants would do well to raid Chelsea for a winger, while Roy Keane has praised his ‘big personality’ with his national team.
Chelsea could lose several big names in 2023. Midfield duo Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are both out of contract at the end of the season and could leave Stamford Bridge on free transfers.
Jorginho has always been linked with the biggest Italian teams in recent years. It’s likely that the 30-year-old would return to Serie A, should the opportunity arise.
Kante, meanwhile, was supported by cross London and sign for Chelsea rivals Tottenham. The main reason for the move might be Kante’s chance to reunite with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
Cesar Azpilicueta’s future at Chelsea is also in doubt. The defender emerged as a target for Barcelona this summer but a contract extension has kept the Spanish giants at bay.
Barca are set to return for Azpilicueta in the new year and Chelsea will struggle to keep him if he reveals his desire to move to Catalonia.
Another player likely to leave Graham Potter’s squad in 2023 is a wide man hakim ziyech. The 29-year-old has struggled for time this campaign due to fierce competition from Chelsea for places in the attacking areas.
He has been limited to late appearances as a substitute in the Premier League and Champions League, playing just nine times so far.
The Chelsea man is a different player at the World Cup
Ziyech is currently enjoying a spell away from his Chelsea nightmare as he is part of Morocco’s World Cup squad. He helped the North Africans reach the quarter-finals, after finishing top of Group F and beating Spain on penalties in the round of 16.
During a recent interview, Keane was asked about Morocco. He went on to explain why Ziyech seems to be playing so much better for his national team than for Chelsea.
“Morocco have been tenacious, strong and aggressive in this tournament, sitting deep but doing well when they have the ball. They’ve been brilliant, and I didn’t see it coming,” Keane said (via Subway).
“Ziyech seems like a different player – it’s a different environment, sometimes players struggle at club level, but the World Cup and international football may suit other personalities better.
“He looks like a big personality for Morocco, and that doesn’t show at club level for Chelsea.”
Ziyech is said to be a target for Milan. They are looking to pounce on his uncertain situation at Chelsea with a swoop in 2023. And a new winger could be needed if Rafael Leao goes the other way.
Rossoneri legend excited over potential transfer of Hakim Ziyech
Legendary former Milan manager Arrigo Sacchi believes Ziyech could become a fan favorite at San Siro.
“AC Milan, good shot,” Sacchi said (via It’s Futbol). “Ziyech has quality, technique and speed. If he can adapt, he will become a hit. He can play all three roles behind the striker.
Chelsea will likely have to suffer a loss letting Ziyech go. They spent around £36.6m on signing the striker from Ajax in 2020. But given his lack of playing time in recent seasons, Milan won’t agree to pay that amount.
Chelsea fans probably won’t mind if the club take a hit on Ziyech. After all, he’s taking up space on the payroll right now. And it will be good for the Blues to invest their exit fee in a younger winger with more potential.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could sign a World Cup star to strengthen their forward line, reports say.
The article that the Chelsea man tipped to ‘become a success’ by joining the Champions League squad, as Roy Keane praises the ‘great personality’ appeared first on Teamtalk.com.
