Big spending Ligue one side AS Monaco have entered the race to sign Galatasaray and Trabzonspor target John Obi Mikel.
The defensive midfielder has been deemed as surplus to requirements at Chelsea with new boss Jose Mourinho opting to make a move for Roma's Daniele De Rossi as a replacement.
With talks at an advanced stage for the Italian maestro, Obi Mikel's Chelsea future is looking less and less certain by the day.
Monaco however could tempt the 26 year-old into a move to play in France with the newly promoted club spending big upon their return to the flight.
With moves for James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho, Radamel Falcao, Jeremy Toulalan, Ricardo Carvalho and Eric Abidal already in place they could soon add Mikel with a squad all ready to fight for the title from day one.