Hakim Ziyech is inching closer to joining Milan this summer after Chelsea agreed on a deal to sign Raheem Sterling from Manchester City. According to Calciomercato, the Englishman’s move to Stamford Bridge will hasten the Moroccan’s switch to Serie A.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has deemed Sterling surplus to requirements and is looking forward to his departure. Chelsea have taken advantage of the situation to land the ex-Liverpool man as Thomas Tuchel aims to reinforce his squad ahead of the new season.
Ziyech is the likeliest candidate to pay the price for Sterling’s arrival. The 27-year-old’s signing will unlock Ziyech’s deal. There’s a feeling that everything could be defined in the coming days as Milan continue to push forward toward their top target.
After a couple of topsy-turvy seasons in west London, the 29-year-old is keen to move on to new pastures. Milan have already offered him an escape route from the Premier League while he is open to accepting the saving hand.
Fabrizio Romano reported last week that Ziyech reached a ‘verbal agreement’ with the Rossoneri. Now it is up to Milan to negotiate his move with Chelsea. The Blues are ready to throw the former Ajax winger under the bus to accommodate spaces for the new additions.
In addition to Ziyech, Milan are negotiating Charles De Ketelaere’s arrival from Club Brugge. Though the Rossoneri have yet to meet the Belgians’ 30m asking price, they are miles ahead of the competition in the race for the 21-year-old’s signature.