Pundit backs Premier League club to complete ‘bargain’ Hakim Ziyech deal after Chelsea news
Noel Whelan has backed a Premier League side to get a “real bargain” with Chelsea reportedly set to move Hakim Ziyech on this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 29-year-old could unlock his true potential with regular top-flight football.
According to the Daily Mail (27 July), Ziyech could be available for as little as £8.4million this summer as Chelsea look to cash in.
The report claims AC Milan are “stepping up their pursuit” of the former Ajax star.
The 40-time Morocco international, who is under contract until June 2025, started just 14 Premier League games last season – scoring four goals.
Ziyech signed for Chelsea for a reported initial fee of £33.6million in February 2020 but has notched just 14 goals for the club.
Whelan backed the attacking midfielder to be a “good fit” elsewhere in the Premier League.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “£8million seems a real bargain, doesn’t it?
“He’s a fantastic player, I’ve enjoyed watching him in the Premier League. He can be a real handful.
“Perhaps he’s not been as consistent as they’d have liked, but he’s not played regularly enough. He’s played a bit-part role.
“This could be an opportunity for a Premier League club to come in and get a real bargain.
“He’s someone with loads of quality, and you could get the best out of him if he’s playing regularly.
“If Chelsea are willing to let him go, and they’ve seen enough – he could be a real good fit somewhere else.”
Thomas Tuchel’s side have completed the signings of Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling so far this summer.
Chelsea start their campaign against Everton on Saturday (6 August).
In other news, pundit claims Chelsea have found perfect Timo Werner replacement after deal agreed.