Nigerian International midfielder John Obi Mikel looks ready to end his ten year career with Chelsea this January.
The defensive midfielder despite making 374 appearances for the club hasn’t featured for the Blues ever since the arrival of Antonio Conte over the summer an issue he has attributed to missing the clubs pre-season games to represent his country at the Olympics.
Despite many players coming and going, Mikel had become a cornerstone for the Chelsea squad towards the end of last season and has been a sure starter under most of the managers that have come and gone to the Stamford Bridge. He has however been sidelined since the signing of Ngolo Kante from Leicester who is considered one of the current world’s best in the Central Defensive Midfield position.
According to Nigeria Head-Coach Gernot Rohr who has advised more than five of his players to change clubs, Mikel is in advanced talks with League One outfit Marseille. While speaking to Goal.com analysts, Rohr confirmed the transfer saying,
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I saw Obi Mikel in London, he is in advanced discussions with Olympique Marseille,”[/perfectpullquote]
“He will leave Chelsea for free. This is a serious option.”
Mikel will be a quality replacement for injured French midfielder Abu Diaby who is out for the foreseeable future.
Mikel is in his final year at Chelsea and with a player of his quality going on a free transfer, many teams will surely be lining up offers for the midfielder. He is also linked to teams in China, England, Turkey, France and Italy.
Featured Photo: Nigerian Captain John Obi Mikel in national Colors. (Photo from Zombio Images.)
