AC Milan are reportedly ready to up their interest in Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech.
The 29-year-old can claim to have enjoyed a relatively successful two-year stint at Stamford Bridge, contributing to the club's Champions League triumph in 2020-21.
However, the former Morocco international has never held down a regular spot in the starting lineup, making just 29 starts in the Premier League.
His lack of opportunities in England's top flight has naturally led to speculation regarding his future at a time when Thomas Tuchel is looking to make changes in the final third.
According to Calciomercato reporter Daniele Longo, AC Milan are now ready to test Chelsea's resolve when it comes to a summer transfer.
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Longo claims that Ziyech has emerged as Milan's priority transfer target ahead of the defence of their Serie A crown next season.
At one stage, it was claimed that I Rossoneri wanted any agreement to sign the player to be a loan deal with the option of tying up a permanent transfer in 2023.
However, Longo now says that Milan are willing to commit to spending €25m (£21.5m) on Ziyech next year after an initial loan switch for 2022-23.
While Chelsea will be satisfied with Milan's intent to sign Ziyech on a full-time basis, it is said that the West Londoners will demand an extra €5m (£4.3m).
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Although Chelsea stand to make a financial loss on Ziyech, Tuchel and owner Todd Boehly may welcome the future funds as they look to reshape the first-team squad over the coming weeks.
The Premier League giants are said to be closing in on the £45m transfer of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, while interest remains in Leeds United attacker Raphinha.
Chelsea are also in the process of trying to find two replacements for Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, both of whom have left on free transfers.
Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake appear to be the most likely to make the switch to Stamford Bridge, although interest remains in Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
As well as Ziyech, fellow forwards Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner are also been linked with an exit from the club.
Darren Plant
