By Lexi Elo
Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel is set to end his nine-year spell at Chelsea as he is looking for a move away from the Champions this summer. Media reports suggest that Mikel is unhappy over his lack of playing time at Stamford Bridge and is keen to capitalise on reported interest in his services.
Though Chelsea are yet to comment publicly on the future of the midfielder, there are feelings that the Super Eagle will be ending his nine-year tenure with the Pensioners this summer with Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates been heavily linked with the transfer.
Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan, who moved to Abu Dhabi in 2011, claimed that he believed Mikel’s transfer would happen. The striker also backed the midfielder’s move and indicated that he believes the 28-year-old would thrive in the UAE Pro-League.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
Al Ain may face competition for the midfielder’s services from Fenerbahce, with the Express recently reporting that the Turkish giants were keen on the Nigeria star. It remains to be seen whether Mikel’s rumoured unhappiness at Stamford Bridge—where he made only six league starts last term—would attract other potential suitors to make an approach for his services.
The midfielder’s dissatisfaction grows from the fact that Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas have nailed down the two starting berths in the centre of Jose Mourinho’s team, while tertiary competition is provided by the likes of Ramires, Kurt Zouma and the emerging Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
His anxiety may also have been prompted by rumours that the Blues—who won the title last term—are looking to recruit more central midfielders this summer.
Mourinho has admitted that he is in the market for a player who can operate in this position, with the likes of Alex Song, Axel Witsel and Paul Pogba all being linked to Stamford Bridge.
