While signing Stephan El Shaarawy isn’t the top priority for Chelsea at the striker position, they just might have to settle for him if other directions turn out to be dead ends, which might also give them a chance to offload Fernando Torres, as AC Milan are interested in the striker in an exchange deal.

According to Talksport, Chelsea are putting the El Shaarawy deal on hold until the whole situation with Cavani is sorted out. It seems the Uruguayan striker is being considered the big prize of this summer’s transfer window, but Chelsea aren’t alone in the race for him, which means that eventually, they might have to settle for something else.

El Shaarawy isn’t the “complete” striker Mourinho wants to have at his disposal, often playing on the left wing and not in the middle, but the 20-year old went through his breakout season last year, scoring 16 goals in 37 matches, slowed down once Mario Balotelli arrived and somewhat stole his thunder.

And El Shaarawy wants out. Too much interest from the Premier League and around Europe, although AC Milan aren’t that willing to let him go, and have been holding frantic discussions with El Shaarawy over the last few days, trying to convince him to stay.

As of now, it seems like El Shaarawy isn’t too keen on staying, with offers like the one from Chelsea too good to turn down. However, Milan would like something in return, something Chelsea will be more than happy to give.

Torres, despite his 22 goals (in all competitions) and finishing as the top scorer in the Confederations Cup, is an expensive bust, the most expensive in Premier League history. He’s not the striker to lead Chelsea to a championship or more, and the problem is finding a team willing to take him and his salary.

Milan won’t take on Torres’ salary, but if Chelsea are willing to participate in it, maybe the deal between the clubs can go through without Chelsea having to pay too much to Milan.