Tottenham have been tipped to win the Premier League if Antonio Conte secures the signing of Chelsea outcast Hakim Ziyech. The 29-year-old was heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge in the summer after having fallen out of favour under former boss Thomas Tuchel.
The winger, who sees his contract in west London expire in 2025, started just 14 times for the Blues in the Premier League last season, directly contributing towards seven goals. Despite having shown glimpses of promise under new management, a series of injuries have seen the Moroccan fall down the pecking order under Graham Potter and continue to be linked with an exit.
football.london understand that Chelsea are open to selling Ziyech should a suitable offer be tabled. It's said that AC Milan made an offer of €25million (£21m) - with €5million (£4.2m) to be paid this year and €20million (£16.8m) the next - in the summer, which was rejected.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can sign perfect 'Didier Drogba heir' if Chelsea win £40m transfer race with Man Utd
According to the Evening Standard, Spurs emerged as a late escape route for Ziyech in the summer as Conte looked to further bolster his frontline. It's said that talks over a move and personal terms were underway late into window but a deal failed to materialise.
And, former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is eager to see his former side finally wrap up a deal. Speaking to Ziggo Sport, the Dutchman insisted that Ziyech could be the final piece of Conte's title-winning puzzle.
"Hakim Ziyech has to join Tottenham," Van der Vaart said. "If Tottenham get Hakim Ziyech, they could win the Premier League. I am serious."
Marco van Basten chipped in and claimed that the Chelsea winger needs a change of scenery. He added: "There is another transfer window coming up
"It is sad and a shame. Ziyech is a great player. We have to see someone like that, we watch TV for such a player and we come to the stadium.
"It is a pity for the whole of football that he is on the bench. If these kinds of players do not get minutes, it is not good for football. There should actually be a rule that clubs can only have a certain number of players.
"So they [Chelsea] have way too many and that actually makes football less interesting. A player like Ziyech could just play at another club and entertain the fans."
READ NEXT:
What Denis Zakaria did after impressive Chelsea debut as Champions League curse strikes again
Denis Zakaria, Ben Chilwell: Chelsea injury news and return dates ahead of huge Arsenal clash
Chelsea player ratings as Denis Zakaria delivers on debut, Chilwell misfortune, Sterling promise
Graham Potter finds new Raheem Sterling Chelsea tactic but makes Champions League error
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
