Serie A side in pole position to land Chelsea’s world cup star.

According to Italian news outlet CalcioMercato, Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech is closing in on a move to Serie A side AS Roma. The 29-year-old Moroccan international has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent weeks, and it seems that Roma could be his next destination.

The reports suggest that Roma are interested in Ziyech as a potential replacement for Nicolo Zaniolo, who has been linked with a move away from the club this month, with Tottenham Hotspur said to be interested in the Italian international. It is understood that Chelsea are open to selling Ziyech to Roma instead of to a Premier League side, and that the player himself is keen on a move to Italy.

Everton have also been linked with a move for Ziyech, with the Merseyside club reportedly prepared to offer €28 million for his services. However, it seems that Ziyech is not interested in joining a club that is currently battling for survival in the league, and he would rather move to a club with more stability and a more certain future.

Ziyech has struggled for regular game time at Chelsea and is set to fall further down the pecking order following a number of additions to the squad in January. A move to Roma would provide him with an opportunity to get his career back on track and would also allow him to showcase his quality in the final third.

The Moroccan international is an exceptional passer in the final third, and his arrival would undoubtedly benefit the likes of Tammy Abraham, who would benefit from his service. Ziyech is also a player with a lot of experience, and his addition to the Roma squad would provide a boost to the team in the second half of the season.

Roma can only sign Ziyech if they manage to offload Zaniolo before the January transfer window closes, and Chelsea are prepared to sell the player for €25 million.

It remains to be seen whether a deal can be agreed before the window closes, but it is clear that Ziyech is a player of great interest to Roma, and a move to the Italian club would be beneficial for all parties involved.