Chelsea are ready to make a swap offer for Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.
Brozovic is being put up for sale by Inter, which are seeking €30 million for the midfielder. They hope to sell to fund a deal for Sporting CP star Joao Mario.
Arsenal have made enquiries, but have failed to follow up.
Meanwhile, Italian sources say Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen, though not at Inter's asking price.
Instead, Chelsea hope to drive down the cash component by including John Obi Mikel in their bid.
Obi Mikel has just won bronze at the Rio Olympics with Nigeria and admits he needs to speak with Conte about where he stands.
"I will go back to see the manager [Antonio Conte] and see what his plans are for me," he said.