With the January transfer window set to open soon, coupled with his poor performances since moving to Italy, it is no surprise that Chelsea striker Fernando Torres' future is constantly the subject of speculation.
The 30-year-old, who was the Premier League's most expensive signing until Manchester United broke that record by signing Argentinian star Angel Di Maria, has seen his career in freefall ever since making the huge money move from Liverpool in 2011. Once heralded as one of the game's top strikers, the Spanish international struggled for form, netting just 20 league goals during his miserable time at Stamford Bridge.
With the signing of Diego Costa, Didier Drogba, and Loic Remy, it was readily apparent that there was no room for him in Jose Mourinho's squad as the Portuguese tactician seeks to guide Chelsea to both domestic and continental glory this season. A loan spell to Milan, who had struggled last season, was supposed to help re-start his career in a less-pressured environment due to the Rossoneri's failure to qualify for European football.
One goal in ten appearances, though, has not impressed fans nor the hierarchy at his new club and so, rumors are rife that he could be set for a quick exit from the San Siro.
Chelsea has made it clear that they do not want him back, and so he has been linked with a return to Liverpool, who are floundering so far this season. Mario Balotelli has failed to hit the ground running and so the Reds, in recent weeks have been linked with a move to bring him back to Anfield. Yet, some of the club's legends have clearly made it clear that they would not like to see him make a return, and so another of his former clubs--Atletico Madrid--is the latest to be associated with some interest.
As per reports from Italy, one idea his current employers are considering is a swap deal for former Torino striker Alessio Cerci, who has struggled for game-time since making a switch to La Liga this summer. Moreover, the same report claims that Diego Simeone is in the market for another center-forward in order to have a back-up option for new signing Mario Mandzukic should the Croatian international be injured or suspended.
However, his wage demands could represent a stumbling block and Torres may opt just to stay in Italy if he cannot earn the same pay in Spain or perhaps England.
