CHELSEA have stolen a march on Arsenal and Juventus in the chase for Atalanta star Franck Kessie. rts daily LIVE blogRelated Storiesdeal me inArsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and ALL Premier League clubs - get the latest transfer news, updates and gossipTAKING MIK OUT OF CHELSEAJohn Obi Mikel in advanced negotiations to leave Chelsea for MarseillesAx to GrindAxel Witsel rejects Antonio Conte's plea to become Chelsea's Oscar replacement ahead of Juventus moveHot rodJames Rodriguez moves closer to £75m Chelsea move after confirming he will decide on transfer next week Getty Images5The midfielder could yet have a future under Antonio ConteGetty Images5Pasalic has been tipped to reach the same highs as Luka ModricCEO Adriano Galliani said: Pasalic is a player who did well at youth level, but his progress was stalled by injuries. Its not the same but I must say he has done extremely well. With Antonio Contes men now seven points clear at the top of the table it could mean missing out on lifting the Premier League crown for a fifth time in his career. I hold him in high regard and I hope he stays, but today wasnt a day to focus on other matters. New Inter boss Stefano Pioli could now be set to get his hands on veteran Diarra, who enjoyed Premier League spells with the Blues and Arsenal. Today it is difficult for the English managers — thats what has changed. Portuguese paper O Jogo claim the deal for the £38million Sweden defender is nearing completion. en to add to his ranks in Januaryrelated storiesCHRISTMAS NO 1Palace 0 Chelsea 1: Diego Costa heads Antonio Conte's rampant table toppers to 11th straight winSafe Pair of HandsAtletico Madrid make contact with Antonio Conte as they look to sign Chelsea goalie in Januarykante be rightChelsea's N'Golo Kante booked and will miss Boxing Day just after Diego Costa. The Hammers are desperate to boost their firepower up front as they battle against relegation.