Hakim Ziyech suffers Chelsea exit setback as AC Milan make final transfer decision

Hakim Ziyech has suffered a setback as he looks to leave Chelsea this summer, with AC Milan making a decision over a move for him.

The 29-year-old has looked likely to depart this summer, with the Serie A believed to be the most likely destination for the Moroccan.

However, it has recently been reported that Ziyech became frustrated by AC Milan’s pursuit of him after the Italian champions did not speed up their efforts to secure his services.

This has seen Timo Werner depart before him, with Chelsea also losing Romelu Lukaku on loan this summer.

With two forward options departing and Armando Broja and Raheem Sterling coming into the first team squad, there could still be some movement in Chelsea’s attack.

Timo Werner re-joined RB Leipzig this summer. (Alamy)

However, this is most likely to be Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has been linked with both loan and permanent departures as he seeks first-team football.

 It was previously reported that Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel is happy to offload Ziyech this summer amid interest from AC Milan.

However, Ziyech has now been dealt a huge blow in his desire to leave the club as AC Milan have made their decision over any transfer during this summer.

As reported by Italian journalist Marco Conterio, AC Milan have now pulled out of the race to sign Ziyech.

The Italians have already signed attacker Charles De Ketelaere during the transfer window, with Ziyech now appearing to be an option for the Serie A champions.

Chelsea’s on-loan club-record signing Romelu Lukaku was said to have recommended the Moroccan to AC Milan, playing for their rivals Inter at the moment.

Despite this, it now appears that AC Milan will not be pushing to sign Ziyech, leaving him frustrated after not appearing from the bench against Everton on the Premier League opening day.

It remains to be seen as to whether the forward will remain a Chelsea player for the 2022/23 season, with several weeks left until the transfer window slams shut.

The Moroccan has retired from international duty, refusing to play for his side under the current head coach.

His side will play in the 2022 World Cup at the end of the year, with Ziyech perhaps wishing to get more first team football ahead of a tournament if he plans a sensational return to his national side.

The 29-year-old has instructed his lawyer, currently representing him, to search for new teams as he looks to depart, even if AC Milan is not his next destination.

Chelsea could look to add further reinforcement in attack if they are to allow Ziyech to leave.