Chelsea: 'Writing on the wall' for £37m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech is nearing a Stamford Bridge departure as ‘the writing is on the wall’, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Having been appointed as the Blues’ head coach last month, Graham Potter will be given the opportunity to sanction incomings and outgoings when the transfer window reopens in January.

Ziyech has been starved of regular action since the season got underway, having only been afforded 172 minutes of game-time.

The attacking midfielder was also ruled out of the Champions League group stage clash with AC Milan on Tuesday after missing the final training session ahead of the encounter.

Doubts over the long-term future of Ziyech, who still has just shy of three years remaining on his £100,000-per-week contract at Stamford Bridge, are beginning to grow.

According to Italian media outlet Tutto Mercato Web, AC Milan are interested in striking a deal which would see the 29-year-old join during the winter window.

The report suggests the Serie A giants are keen on negotiating a loan deal which could eventually see Ziyech, a 42-cap Morocco international, remain at the San Siro permanently.

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Brown believes all signs point towards Ziyech leaving Chelsea in the not-too-distant future, particularly as the west Londoners have been eager to offload him in the past.

The journalist feels the AC Milan target does not feature at the forefront of Potter's long-term plans at Stamford Bridge.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: "I think Ziyech can probably see the writing on the wall.

"Chelsea have been willing to listen to offers for him in the last couple of windows. He doesn't look like a first team regular under