Hakim Ziyech Announces Career Decision Amid AC Milan Interest

Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has announced a new career decision amid interest from AC Milan this summer.

This comes after the latest reports revealed that the Moroccan is not in Thomas Tuchel’s plans at Chelsea for next season.

AC Milan have been heavily linked with a move for Ziyech, with it previously reported they want to close a deal for €25 million.

The initial reports believed that a move would be an initial loan with a potential option, or obligation, to purchase the winger.

The Serie A side are said to be confident in reaching an agreement for the 29-year-old, who has struggled for game time under Tuchel.

Speaking last season, Tuchel admitted that Ziyech’s favoured position does not exist in his preferred system.

When asked about a switch to a back four for part of the campaign, Tuchel stated: "We switched systems lately. If we play in a back four, a 4-1-4-1, with a right winger position - this suits Hakim (Ziyech) very best. 

"This position was not available from the start in the final so we took the tactical decision to play with the back three so did not leave us with the same position for Hakim so he came from the bench."

With the German set to continue with his three at the back formation, it appears that Ziyech could look for an exit.

Taking to Instagram, Ziyech admitted that he is making a career changing decision and taking control of his career.

He wrote: “I have reached a point in my life where I feel that the time is right for me to take full control of my professional future.

“I want negotiations and decisions about my career to be made by me. So moving forward, my team and I, together with our legal representatives, will handle the business side of things.

“Professional interest should be directed to the contact info in my bio. I remain grateful for your continued support.”

Chelsea fans have begun to speculate on what this means for his immediate future, with Tuchel’s men preparing to travel to the United States of America for their pre-season tour.

Ziyech is unlikely to have his future tied up by Saturday, when they travel, and could instead depart during or after the tour if Chelsea agree terms with AC Milan or any other club.

Raheem Sterling is set to sign for the Blues, adding to an already congested attacking line, with Ziyech now set to take career decisions into his own hands.

Therefore, a move to AC Milan looks increasingly likely, following Romelu Lukaku to the Italian city this summer.