Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is eyeing a move for Zenit St Petersburg star Axel Witsel, according to reports.
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The Blues are seeking a replacement for John Obi Mikel, who is set to leave the club this summer.
According to Daily Express, Mourinho identified Witsel as one of his targets to replace Mikel in defensive midfield.
The outstanding form of Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic restricted the Nigeria international to just 16 Premier League appearances last term as Chelsea went on to claim its fifth domestic title.
Witsel has made 77 league appearances for Zenit since making the shock move from Benfica in 2012, scoring 12 goals.
The Belgium international is also reportedly a target for both Manchester United and Juventus, meaning the Blues will face stiff competition for the 27-year-old’s signature.
Witsel won the Russian Premier League this season under former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, but is believed to be seeking a new challenge with one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
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