£37m star ‘would happily leave’ Stamford Bridge

Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has been ‘wanting to leave since the summer’ and would ‘happily’ seal his Stamford Bridge exit ahead of the January transfer deadline, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.

Blues boss Graham Potter could still freshen up his squad ahead of the winter window slamming shut at the end of the month.

Chelsea transfer news – Hakim Ziyech

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle United are looking at the possibility of signing Ziyech, along with Chelsea teammates Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

The report suggests the west Londoners are open to sanctioning the Morocco international’s departure ahead of the deadline.

Ziyech was also offered to Tottenham Hotspur in a swap deal which would have involved Yves Bissouma heading in the opposite direction, but Chelsea were not offered encouragement by their London rivals.

Phillips has previously told GiveMeSport that the winger could push to leave the Blues before the end of the month, but there have been no bids or enquiries during the early stages of 2023.

Ziyech’s £100,000-per-week contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2025, which puts his current employers in a strong negotiating position.

What has Simon Phillips said about Ziyech?

Phillips understands that Ziyech has presented Chelsea with a dilemma because the club are open to a sale, but no suitors have lodged a concrete bid.

The journalist is aware that the former Ajax man has been wanting to move onto pastures new since last summer and his stance has not changed.

Phillips told GiveMeSport: “Ziyech is just the same problem that Chelsea have had since the start of the window.

“Chelsea have been open to selling him this month and he would go. He would happily go because he’s been wanting to leave since the summer.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Should Chelsea sell Ziyech this month?

Ziyech has racked up 25 goal contributions over the course of his Chelsea career, according to Transfermarkt, but it would be best for all parties if he were to complete a move away from the club.

That is because the appointment of Potter, who succeeded Thomas Tuchel following his September sacking, has not played into the 29-year-old’s hands.

Ziyech has been restricted to just four starts since the alteration in the dugout and it has become abundantly clear that he is not in the forefront of the former Brighton & Hove Albion chief’s plans.

Having joined Chelsea in a deal which could rise to close to £37million, the Moroccan has failed to make a lasting impact in English football.

Ziyech scored 49 goals and registered a further 81 assists for Ajax, but he needs a fresh challenge as he looks to rediscover his best form.

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