Chelsea's Coach, Jose Mourinho Blocks Mikel Obi's Exit From Stamford Bridge

 

Nigeria's midfielder John Mikel Obi has made up his mind to seek a better future in another club after starting just 6 league games in the last premier league campaign. United Arab Emirates suitors Al Ain and Al Wahda are reportedly leading the race to acquire the services of the 28-year old midfielder but his Portugesse coach, Jose Mourinho has stalled the transfer operation by refusing to santion it.

 

John Mikel Obi who has two years left on his contract, has been told he remains part of manager Mourinho’s future plans.

 

“There’s absolutely no truth to reports linking Mikel with a move to Turkey or any Chinese club for that matter,” a source close to the talks said. “Only two clubs from the UAE showed strong interest last month but they could not meet his club’s valuation.

 

Mikel has fallen below the pecking order at Chelsea following the arrival and performances of Nemanja Mattic. He fears warming the bench for the next two years of his contract at Chelsea FC.
 

Fenerbahce seems to be interested in adding Mikel to their squad but Chelsea will only listen to a US $16.8 million offer. The Turkish club’s president Aziz Yildirim has told the local media they cannot meet Chelsea’s valuation. “Chelsea want 15 million euros and Mikel asked for €5 million a season over four years. We are talking 35 million euros,” Yildirim told reporters at their Topuk Yayla training ground.