Chelsea are allegedly planning to hijack Sami Khedira's proposed move to Arsenal by lodging their own bid for the Real Madrid man.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho is ready to offload John Obi Mikel to raise funding towards the Germany international's £20m asking price, The Express reports.
Mikel, who featured in just 11 league matches last season, is said to have been offered to unnamed Serie A clubs for around £10m.
Competition in the heart of the Chelsea midfield is expected to be fierce next season following the arrival of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.