Jose Mourinho will launch an ambitious raid for Zenit St-Petersburg midfielder, Axel Witsel, as he looks to replace John Obi Mikel.
Defensive midfielder Mikel, 28, looks set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after nine seasons at the club.
Turkish side, Fenerbahce, and UAE outfit, Al Ain, are both keen to land the Nigerian international.
Chelsea have reportedly told Mikel he can leave and Mourinho is already on the hunt for a replacement.
Top of his wish list, according to report, is Belgium international Witsel.
He has hinted that a move away from Zenit is on his agenda this summer – with Juventus and Manchester United also said to be interested.
Witsel has already held talks over a move to the Italian champions but it is claimed that Chelsea are confident he would plump for SW6.
The Blues are also likely to have the edge over Juve because the Zenit star is also represented by Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
Witsel made the move to Russia in 2012 for £29 million following a season in Portugal with Benfica.
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