Mikel’s Exit from Stamford Bridge Imminent
Mourinho targets Zenit star to replace the Nigerian midfielder
With Jose Mourinho’s renewed interest in bringing Zenit StPetersburg midfielder, Axel Witsel, to Stamford Bridge Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, is almost certain to be on his way out of Chelsea this summer.
The Nigerian international has been frozen out of the first team picture of Chelsea by Mourinho this past season and the situation does not appear good with the gaffer’s insistence on getting Witsel to fortify the midfield.
The 28-year-old Mikel made just six starting appearances in the Premier League as his team went on to clinch the title.
Since the beginning of the summer transfer window, speculations have been rife that United Arab Emirates club Al Ain, are determine to poach Mikel.
It was even reported last week that Mikel has accepted the personal terms Al Ain has placed on the table for the former Nigerian Under-20 star.
UK’s Evening Standard also reported lately that the Stamford Bridge club has received offers for Mikel from Fenerbahce and one other club in Europe.
Mikel signed for the Blues back in 2006 from Norwegian side Lyn Oslo.
But he has failed to live up to his potential in west London - and could now be heading for the exit door.
His chances in the first-team have been even more limited due to the emergence of French wonderkid Kurt Zouma.
And the club’s Portuguese boss admitted earlier this year that he plans on giving Ruben Loftus-Cheek a bigger role next season.
In addition to his quest for Belgium international Witsel, there appears no hope of Mikel retaining the number 12 jersey at Chelsea next season.
Chelsea is likely to beat both Juventus and Manchester United to the Witsel deal, claims a source close to Belgian.
Witsel has already held talks over a move to the Italian champions but it is claimed that Chelsea are confident he would plump for SW6.
The Blues are also likely to have the edge over Juve because the Zenit star is also represented by Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes.