Inter Milan’s new owners are desperate to take the troubled club back into the big time, setting their sights on Chelsea pair John Obi Mikel and Fernando Torres in the hope they can improve their chances.

According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Eric Thohir is ready to bankroll a deal that would take the Nigeria midfielder and Spanish striker to the San Siro this summer. This comes on the back of reports that Chelsea are ready to stage a massive clear out come the end of the season in a bid to raise funds for more signings and Torres is top of the list.

Inter Milan’s new owners are desperate to take the troubled club back into the big time, setting their sights on Chelsea pair John Obi Mikel and Fernando Torres in the hope they can improve their chances.

According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, Eric Thohir is ready to bankroll a deal that would take the Nigeria midfielder and Spanish striker to the San Siro this summer. This comes on the back of reports that Chelsea are ready to stage a massive clear out come the end of the season in a bid to raise funds for more signings and Torres is top of the list.

Jose Mourinho openly admitted his dismay at the £50million signing’s inability to find the net consistently since making that club-record move to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool in 2011. Reports suggest the Chelsea manager has lost patience with Torres and wants to replace him with Diego Costa.

The Atletico Madrid striker has been the polar opposite of Torres this season, in that he has looked dangerous up front for the Liga leaders and has regularly found the net – 33 goals in all competitions. Torres has only nine goals all season and has not got on the score sheet in the Premier League since January.

Meanwhile, Mikel has not had many chances since Mourinho returned to the Blues in the summer and his departure has looked on the cards for some time. The January arrival of Nemanja Matic from Benfica was always going to further affect his chances of playing, but the Serbian’s good form has meant he is now one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet.

One obstacle to the double deal would be if Inter cannot even qualify for the UEFA Europa League next season; they are currently fifth in Serie A and so would qualify, but that is only by virtue of goal difference. The last few matches of the season look set to be a battle for the last spot with Parma and Lazio.

Culled from Givemesport

count | 44

Inter Milan FC makes move for John Obi Mikel and Fernando Torres