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Chelsea and Man United linked midfielder demands Serie A move

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Axel Witsel

According to reports from The Express this morning, Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel has made the shock declaration that he won’t sign a new contract with the club because he wants to play in Serie A.

The Belgium international joined Zenit from Benfica for a whopping €40million in summer 2012 and has since emerged as one of the Russian top flight’s flagship talents, helping Zenitchiki claim last season’s Premier League title and reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League – where they were knocked out by eventual winners Sevilla.

The 26 year-old’s future at Petrovsky Stadium has come under intense speculation this summer, with reports in July claiming Cheslea and Manchester United were both pursuing his signature and The Express alleging the Premier League champions have already seen one bid rejected.

>>> View all of the Premier League’s confirmed summer transfers here <<<

Whether they still hold an interest in signing the 6 foot 1 midfielder is unconfirmed, but Witsel has effectively ruled out a Premier League switch by revealing his desire to play in Italy.

As quoted by The Express, who cite Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, the former Standard Liege youngster has said; “I don’t have any intention of renewing my contract with Zenit because I want to have an experience in Italy.”

Counter-intuitively, it could be good news for Chelsea; the theory being that Witsel could be about to join Serie A championsJuventus as a replacement for Paul Pogba – as reported by The Daily Mail. The Blues are hoping to get a £70million for the France international over the line before the end of the transfer window.

The Mail’s report mirrors claims made by the 57-cap international’s agent earlier in the summer, who said in July; “The boy has decided to leave Zenit. He wants to play for a club playing at a greater level than the Russian league and compete in a division full of stars. Italy is a destination he is keen on. He likes Juventus a lot. He would be considered a first alternative to Pogba or Vidal if they were to leave. Juventus would immediately turn to him.”

Also in the news:

Why are Manchester United missing out on so many top targets?

Chelsea ready to smash Man United’s £150m record spend

Man City beat Man United to £54m midfielder; set for medical today

Spurs’ reluctance to meet £30m price-tag gives Man United way in

£40m Chelsea and Man United target sees transfer request rejected

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