Zenit Saint Petersburg manager Mircea Lucescu has confirmed that midfielder Axel Witsel will leave the club during the summer transfer window.
The Belgium international has been linked with Internazionale, Juventus, Napoli, Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea this month.
The Blues are strong favourites to secure his services according to reports in England but the 70-year-old believes they will face competition from the Serie A.
"Witsel spoke to the club and asked to leave," Coach Lucescu told Calciomercato.com.
"He has two offers from Italy and two from England. The club placed a high valuation on him because he is an important player, one of international level.
"I know that he has been offered a contract renewal, but it won't be easy. He's had important proposals for the last two years, the transfer market is long and has its own logic.
"We are talking about a player who can do well in many teams."
