Chelsea expected to now sell Hakim Ziyech after Sky’s £50m update – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Hakim Ziyech to leave Stamford Bridge if Raheem Sterling completes a summer move to Chelsea.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Moroccan’s potential exit could open the door for the Man City ace to join.
According to The Athletic (4 July), AC Milan are working on a loan deal for Ziyech – who joined Chelsea in 2020 for €40 million (£34.3million).
Meanwhile, Sky Sports claim (4 July) that Man City and Chelsea remain locked in talks for Sterling – with the Londoners reportedly “close” to meeting the Citizens’ £50million valuation.
Ziyech has scored just six league goals in 46 outings for the Blues since joining from Ajax.
When asked if the midfielder would have to make way should Sterling come in at Stamford Bridge, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah, I think so.
“He’s been a bit-part player, but he’s definitely got talent. He’s an exciting player and someone who can make things happen.
“But he just hasn’t been regular enough at Chelsea. He hasn’t pushed other players out of the way to really make that spot his own.
“I think it makes sense to let him go. Tuchel has been around long enough now to know who he wants and who is effective.
“You look at Sterling and probably think that he will be the main man in Ziyech’s position. If they can free up space, and the capital – it makes the move a little bit easier.”
Chelsea are yet to make a summer addition despite losing key men like Antonio Rudiger and Romelu Lukaku.
Ziyech made 44 appearances in the 2021-22 campaign, scoring eight goals.
In other news, Football Insider reveals Chelsea plot to sign Everton sensation.