Torres will permanently join AC Milan in January

Fernando-Torres;-AC-Milan;-Chelsea

Fernando Torres. (Marco Vasini/AP)

LONDON — Chelsea says striker Fernando Torres will join AC Milan on a permanent basis in the January transfer window.

Torres joined Milan on a two-year loan deal in August, and Chelsea said on its website Saturday that he will complete a permanent transfer on Jan. 5.

Torres joined Chelsea from Liverpool in January 2011 but failed to replicate his previous scoring form at Stamford Bridge. However, he did help Chelsea win the Champions League and the Europa League in 3 1/2 seasons at the club before being replaced by Diego Costa for this campaign.

Chelsea did not disclose a transfer fee.

According to the reputable Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia, Torres is set to return to Atletico Madrid with Alessio Cerci going to Milan.

—With files from the Associated Press—

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