Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has earmarked Afriyie Acquah as a potential signing to replace David Luiz.

Credible sources in Italy say, the Portuguese boss sees the 22-year-old Ghana midfielder as a natural fit for compatriot and mentor Michael Essien.

It is understood Chelsea will bid £10 million in the summer for the highly-rated defensive midfielder who emerged as one the best in his position in Serie A last season.

Sources say Chelsea will make the offer should Acquah make Ghana’s World Cup squad and qualify under the 75% national team appearance rule of English football.

The development could trigger a transfer war between Premier League rivals because Arsenal and Everton are also potential bidders, according to the British media.

The UK Sun newspaper reported earlier that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is already monitoring Acquah.

Acquah is widely seen as the ‘next Michael Essien’ because of his strength, drive, strong tackling and fierce shots.

After the impressive season in Serie A, Mourinho is believed to be a fan of the hugely built Hoffenheim loanee at Parma.

With the building of a championship winning team for next season coinciding with the departure of Luiz who served recently in the defensive midfield role, Chelsea would naturally look for somebody to compete with Mikel Obi, Ramires and Nemanja Matic.