Chelsea are set to move for Zenit St
Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel as
Jose Mourinho plans to bolster his
squad ahead of next season.
The Blues have identified Witsel as
they look to improve their midfield
options, with John Obi Mikel set to leave Stamford Bridge amid
interest from Turkey and the Middle East.
Witsel, 26, is eager to leave Zenit this summer and is a target for
Serie A champions Juventus, but Chelsea believe he would prefer a
transfer to west London.
Mourinho is keen to ensure that Chelsea build on their Premier
League title triumph this season and wants a side that can also
challenge for the Champions League.
Witsel would be considered a direct replacement for Mikel as a
holding midfielder to challenge Nemanja Matic for a starting place.
Mikel, 28, has been told he can leave Chelsea this summer and the
Blues are hoping to offload him to a club in Turkey.
Chelsea’s chances of landing Witsel will be boosted by the fact that
the Belgian and Mourinho are represented by the same agent, Jorge
Mendes.
Witsel cost Zenit €40 million when he signed from Benfica in 2012
but he wants a new challenge after winning the Russian title last
season under Andre Villas-Boas.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are considering a swoop for Augsburg left-back
Baba Rahman. The 20-year-old Ghanaian has been the subject of
glowing reviews from Blues scouts thanks to his performances in
the Bundesliga.
http://m.goal.com/x/en/news/12837972

Shoro niyen