Thomas Tuchel 'makes Hakim Ziyech decision amid exit talk'

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reportedly wants Hakim Ziyech to play a key role for the club this season.

The 28-year-old made 39 appearances for the Blues during the 2020-21 campaign but found it difficult to show his best form during his first season at Stamford Bridge.

AC Milan have been strongly linked with the Morocco international this summer amid suggestions that Chelsea are prepared to let him leave on a season-long loan.

However, according to Calciomercato, Tuchel wants the experienced attacker to play a key role for the Blues this season.

Ziyech scored against Villarreal in the UEFA Super Cup on August 11 but was forced off the field due to a shoulder problem, which saw him miss out on his side's opening match of the new Premier League season against Crystal Palace.

The Moroccan scored 49 times and registered 81 assists in 165 appearances for Ajax before arriving at Stamford Bridge, and he still has four years left to run on his contract with the London giants.