Chelsea Transfer Rumour: Mourinho Chasing £30m-rated Italian Star

Chelsea are reportedly considering a big-money move for AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy.

The 20-year-old had 16 goals and four assists to his name from 37 Serie A appearances last season and enjoyed a highly impressive first half of the campaign, before playing second fiddle to January signing Mario Balotelli.

Manchester City were strongly linked to El Shaarawy last month but their interest has now cooled. And, according to the Express, new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is looking to capitalise on the situation and has earmarked the Italy International, valued at £30m, as an important summer target.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani recently admitted that the club will cash in on the youngster, if they receive a good offer. "El Shaarawy? We never said he is not for sale," the Rossoneri chief had said.

The forward, nicknamed The Pharaoh, can operate in a variety of attacking roles, with the left flank considered as his best position. Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco were previously understood to be chasing El Shaarawy.

The report also claims Chelsea are also plotting an approach for El Shaarawy's Italy team-mate and Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Gary Cahill says he is looking forward to the Blues' pre-season trip to Asia. The west London outfit play friendly matches in Bangkok on 17 July, Kuala Lumpur on 21 July and Jakarta on 25 July.

"I loved going to America last summer and look forward to visiting again in August, but first we go to Asia and I know it's going to be like nothing else. We're playing three games at the beginning of our season, and I really hope we're able to put on a good show," the England international pointed out.

"These matches are only friendly games and the result doesn't matter, but we all want to impress the manager and get into a winning habit as quickly as we can. If we can get that right then hopefully we can start the season strongly," Cahill added.