Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Axel Witsel Rumours, Loic Remy Exit Price Revealed

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is "considering a move" for Zenit Saint Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel, according to Tony Banks of the Express.

It's reported the Belgian will set suitors back £24 million. The former Standard Liege and Benfica man moved to Russia in 2012 and has often been touted for a move to the Premier League. At 26 years old, he may feel like his opportunities to do so will become rarer over the next couple of seasons.

Witsel is represented by Jorge Mendes, the same agent as Mourinho, reported by the Telegraph's Matt Law. He is a quality central midfielder, someone who can break up play and distribute effectively to his team-mates, and he could provide a replacement for the likely outgoing John Obi Mikel, per Banks.

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Like Mikel, Witsel would likely struggle to gain a starting role at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho likes to combine physicality with creativity in the west London side's midfield, choosing from Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas, Oscar, Ramires and others. Youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who showed his quality during three performances at the end of last season, may also be disappointed if Witsel arrives.

Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur suggests Witsel could be on his way to Italy instead:

Mourinho likes to offset major purchases with departures, something of a necessity now UEFA's financial fair play rules are in effect. Law believes the impending loan arrival of Monaco striker Radamel Falcao will see Loic Remy put up for sale.

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However, the Blues "will demand at least £15 million" for the player they snapped up in a £10.5 million deal with Queens Park Rangers last summer. It is suggested Crystal Palace were interested but will balk at this price and the Frenchman's potential £80,000-per-week wages, per Law.

Falcao's imminent arrival means Remy is "considering his Chelsea future," according to Law. The former QPR man scored seven goals in 19 Premier League appearances last season and majorly outperformed Falcao, who only netted four for Manchester United, per Squawka: 

With Diego Costa and potentially Falcao ahead of him in the pecking order, the 28-year-old may be best served finding a smaller club with whom he could star. There's no doubt he could excel in the right team and setup. Remy's pace and ability to find space in the box makes him constantly dangerous, especially when he quietly lurks on the shoulder of the last defender.

B/R UK's Jonathan Johnson recently discussed how Falcao will do under Mourinho's tutelage:

The manager needs to be careful not to change his winning formula too much. Witsel would be an upgrade over Mikel, but he's also likely to get frustrated if significant playing time doesn't come his way. Falcao remains an enigma after last season and won't offer Chelsea a unique style of play, something Remy currently does.

Mourinho has built countless trophy-winning squads over his career, however, and he will get the full backing of Chelsea fans.