According to reports in Spain, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is eyeing Alex Song as a potential replacement for John Obi Mikel, who has been linked with a move away from the club.
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Mikel, like the departed Didier Drogba, and Petr Cech, who is also rumoured to be leaving Stamford Bridge, is a ‘Mourinho Original’, having been signed by the Portuguese coach back in 2006. However, the Nigeria international could soon be set to leave West London, with both Al Ain and Fenerbahce believed to be interested in his services according to the Standard.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s Song has been identified as the ideal replacement for Mikel.
It is understood that Blues chiefs have spoken to the player’s agent, and Roman Abramovich is preparing to pay the reported €6.5 million it would take to sign the Cameroon star from Catalonia.
In a recent interview, Mourinho admitted that he was looking to sign a new defensive midfielder, and with Mikel seemingly headed for the exit door, his need could become even more pressing.
“I think then we need three players,” he began, speaking to The Guardian.
“A striker, because we lost our legend [Didier Drogba], a defender and a midfield player. Give a little bit more competitiveness to the squad, bring some new blood in, put some players a little bit under pressure.
“They know they have someone waiting, I need that to support my way of working.”
Song was signed by Barcelona from Arsenal in the summer of 2012 for €19 million, but struggled to impose himself in the first team at the Nou Camp.
He may have won the Liga BBVA title and the Super Cup in Spain, but the midfielder was sent on loan to West Ham United last summer having seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp.
After an encouraging string of performances back in England, his stock has risen and the likes of Liverpool [Mirror] and West Ham [Standard] have both been linked to the Indomitable Lion this summer.