Milan Transfer News and Rumours Tracker: Week of December 15

We're only a few weeks away from the January transfer window, and the rumours (especially the silly ones) are starting to pick up steam.

This week at AC Milan, it's about players on the verge of leaving—or so the newspapers tell us.

Fernando Torres is the No. 1 transfer story right now. The 30-year-old has struggled to make an impact in Italy. Reports in England suggest his two-year loan spell is about to come to end and that Chelsea must prepare for his return, per Anthony Chapman of the Express.

Let's take a deeper look at this week's rumours.

Milan to Keep Torres

Marco Vasini/Associated Press

Manager Jose Mourinho could not be any more emphatic. He simply said Fernando Torres will not return to Chelsea.

"I don't know but he's on loan for two seasons at AC Milan," Mourinho told reporters. "He's our player but he's on loan. We have no space for players in the list. Either in the Champions League or Premier League. That's an impossible picture."

And Milan CEO Adriano Galliani seems to think Torres will stay in Italy.

"I don't think he will leave, even if the market is unpredictable," Galliani told Sky Sport Italia, via Sky Sports.

Indeed, Torres has struggled with a niggling ankle injury despite scoring only one goal for Milan in 10 appearances. 

"We need to be patient," Galliani said.

But there are other options, including Napoli. A reunion with his former manager Rafa Benitez is possible, according to Rob Draper of Mail Online.

Milan Quit on Stephan El Shaarawy?

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

A couple of years ago, Stephan El Shaarawy was untouchable. Now, he is not even a starter. By the end of the season, he may not even be a Milan player.

According to reports from Calcio Mercato and Corriere della Sera, via Football Italia, El Shaarawy could be headed to Germany, specifically Borussia Dortmund, in a swap deal with Ciro Immobile.

Representatives have reportedly met with El Shaarawy's people.

A move in the winter is not on the table, but anything could happen in the summer.