Chelsea may reportedly consider using Hakim Ziyech in any proposal to sign Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
When Graham Potter replaced Thomas Tuchel in the Chelsea dugout, it was perceived that Ziyech may be given a fresh start at Stamford Bridge having previously fallen down the pecking order.
However, the Morocco international has been provided with just 13 minutes of football spread across two substitute outings against Red Bull Salzburg and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With Chelsea scoring just one goal from open play in their last three fixtures, Ziyech may come into consideration for the upcoming games with Salzburg and Brighton & Hove Albion.
That said, it appears more likely that he will stay on the periphery of Potter's squad until the World Cup, seemingly making him available when the January transfer window comes around.
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According to Calciomercato, the 29-year-old may enter conversations if Chelsea opt to reignite their interest in Rabiot during 2023.
Throughout the summer transfer window, Rabiot had been tipped to depart Turin due to just one year remaining on his contract.
However, a move to Manchester United is said to have fallen through due to his wage demands, and subsequently, fresh offers to meet that threshold did not arrive before the start of September.
Rabiot has since impressed in an inconsistent Juventus side, netting four times in 10 starts in all competitions which includes a double against Empoli on October 21.
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Despite his regular game time under Massimiliano Allegri, the situation remains that the Frenchman appears no nearer to extending his contract at the Serie A outfit.
Should his wage demands stay the same, it is highly likely that all parties will settle on the 27-year-old leaving on a free transfer at the end of 2022-23.
However, the report states that Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly may be prepared to give the green light to a part-exchange deal at the turn of the year.
While Chelsea are blessed with options in the centre of the pitch, Jorginho is out of contract next summer, as is N'Golo Kante who is also sidelined with a hamstring injury until at least February.
AC Milan are expected to monitor any developments with Ziyech's future having been heavily linked with the playmaker throughout the summer.
Darren Plant
