The 26-year-old has attracted interest from the Rome-based club, having tabled an offer thought to worth £5m for the player according to Metro.
Mikel, who worked alongside Spaniard, Benitez, at Stamford Bridge last season, has not played regularly under returning manager Jose Mourinho with Marco van Ginkel likely to be favourite in the new season.
This is coupled with reports that ‘The Blues’ could bring in another holding midfielder if Mikel stays or goes with AS Roma’s Daniele De Rossi a key target.
However, Mourinho has said he’s happy with (and won’t be selling anybody from) his present squad, but the appeal of a first-team shirt could become the deciding factor for the Nigerian.
Chelsea is not expected to accept Napoli’s initial offer for the player, who joined Chelsea in 2006, but the Serie A side are believed to be willing to spend up to £8m to get the Afcon 2013 winner.
Turkish side Galatasaray have long notified their interest in Mikel, who personally would relish another opportunity to work under Mourinho for a second spell after joining from Lyn Oslo.
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