Chelsea January Transfer News
The midfielder has not played a minute of football under new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and is looking to move away from Stamford Bridge to get back to playing regular football. Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr claimed Mikel is in talks over a potential move to Marseille.
John Obi Mikel has been the clubs second-longest club serving player behind John Terry, but the two have been deemed as surplus requirements at London. The Nigerian has also been linked with a move to China with a re-union to work with Andre Villas Boas, who is currently in charge of Shanghai SIPG.
But Rohr states Conte is punishing Mikel for helping to inspire Nigeria to third place in the Rio Olympics last summer. And a move to Ligue 1 may come soon with just six months left on Mikel’s contract; the 29-year-old is expected to depart for Marseille in the winter window.
“I saw Obi Mikel in London. He is in advanced discussions with Olympique Marseille.” Said Rohr
“He will leave Chelsea for free. This is a serious option” added Rohr.
Mikel has been with Chelsea since 2006 and the main reason Rohr believes the two don’t see eye to eye is because of the midfielder’s decision to play at the Rio Olympics.
John Obi Mikel could not be the only player leaving Stamford Bridge in the winter; Branislav Ivanovic has been linked with a move to Barcelona while Cesc Fabregas’ future also remains uncertain.