The £25m Chelsea transfer deal which could pave the way for England international's dramatic return

Former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori could make a surprise return to Stamford Bridge in January, after falling out of favour at AC Milan in recent weeks.

The defender came through the ranks of the Chelsea academy, however he struggled to break into the first team. After several loan spells with Derby County, Hull City and AC Milan, the Italian side decided to sign him permanently in 2021 for a fee of £27.5m.

Tomori has since made over 150 appearances for the Italian side, allowing him to also break into the England team, where he has made five appearances so far.

However, reports have suggested that the defender is unhappy at the San Siro as he has been limited to just 13 minutes from his last 10 league games. According to Sky Sport CH via SportWitness, Tomori wants a January return to the Premier League and has been offered to several clubs, including Chelsea.

However, the report states that the Blues would only welcome Tomori back to Stamford Bridge, should defender Axel Disasi leave in January. Disasi was previously linked with a move to Newcastle United, but it seems for now that he will stay put. However, Juventus are said to be interested in the Chelsea defender, and have been linked with a £25m move this month.

Ex-Chelsea youngster wanted by several Premier League rivals

Chelsea aren’t the only Premier League club who could bring Tomori back to the English top flight, as several teams have been linked in recent weeks.

West Ham United have been linked with a move for Tomori, as they desperately aim to improve in defence. Julen Loptegui’s side have so far conceded the third-most goals in the Premier League.

Furthermore, Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the 27-year-old as they look to add depth at the back, following a period of injury to several defenders. Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies and Cristian Romero are all still out with injuries. With the Blues having been linked with other alternative targets at the centre-back position, a move to Spurs or West Ham could be more likely for Tomori as he aims for his Premier League return.

Chelsea linked to several centre-back targets

Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen to sign another centre-back as a long-term replacement for Thiago Silva, who left Stamford Bridge at the end of last season.

The Blues have been linked to Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as a possible transfer target. He has impressed this season, helping Forest rise to third in the Premier League table, two points ahead of Chelsea.

Seeing as Nuno Espirito’s Santo’s side have an outside shot at getting a European football place however, it is unlikely that they would let Murillo leave in the January transfer window.

Alternatively, Chelsea were linked with Benfica defender Tomas Araujo in the summer and could re-ignite their interest in the 22-year-old.

Araujo emerged as a target for Crystal Palace who reportedly sent Benfica an offer for the defender in the summer, which was rejected.