Chelsea have announced that Milan will sign Fernando Torres permanently, but the striker is still expected to join Atletico Madrid.
The 30-year-old had spent the past four months on loan at San Siro but scored just one goal in 10 appearances, leading to speculation that he could exit the club in January, with Alessio Cerci heading in the opposite direction.
However, the Blues have now confirmed that they have sent Torres to the Rossoneri for an undisclosed fee, effectively paving the way for the swap deal to happen once the transfer window reopens next month.
"The striker moved to the San Siro on a two-year loan deal in August and on January 5 he will complete a permanent transfer to the Serie A side," read a statement on Chelsea's official website.
"Chelsea Football Club thanks Fernando for his service during the past four seasons and wishes him the very best for the future."
The move will allow Milan to loan Torres to Atleti directly, while reports suggest that either side will each contribute to half of the former Liverpool hitman's €4m per season salary.
Cerci, meanwhile, appears set to return to Italian football with Milan after an unhappy €20 million switch to the Spanish champions in August.
