The Switzerland international joined the Blues on a season-long loan from the Bianconeri before the summer transfer deadline.

He was initially out of contention for playing time but has been involved more during the second half of the campaign.

Despite this, the London giants don't plan to trigger the £26m buy-out clause to sign him on a permanent deal from Juventus.

Instead of keeping him, the onus is on pursuing another marquee midfielder when the transfer window reopens this summer.

West Ham United's Declan Rice is one of the top names on the club's radar while Brighton 's Moises Caicedo is another option.

Both players are likely to cost in excess of £80 million. Chelsea could face competition from Arsenal and Liverpool for the duo.

The Blues are currently 10th in the Premier League table with just 37 points. They host Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

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