Chelsea want Mikel Arteta

Chelsea chairman Roman Abramovich is ready to bankroll a huge offer for Everton's Spanish international midfielder Mikel Arteta. The People says Real Madrid, Valencia, Villarreal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea have all shown interest, but Chelsea could make a huge £15m offer to snap up the former Real Sociedad midfielder.

Senior figures at Chelsea believe Arteta would have the quality and drive to help take the Blues to the next stage of development, with owner Roman Abramovich insisting the team play a more expansive game.

It is expected that Chelsea boss Avram Grant is to make several signings during the January transfer window, and Arteta has been signposted as the future replacement for Frank Lampard who is persistently linked with a move to Spain.