The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern are expecting him to leave in January…
John Obi Mikel has looked destined for a Chelsea departure all season, with the Nigerian seemingly not in the plans of Antonio Conte.
He has yet to feature at all under the Italian, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season – it was largely assumed in the Transfer Tavern that he would leave quietly at the end of the campaign.
However, according to the Mirror, John Obi Mikel could make a move away from London far more quickly – with interest emerging from China ahead of a possible January departure.
The Mirror are reporting that Chelsea are willing to let Mikel leave before his contract expires, and that a host of Chinese sides are reportedly vying for his signature.
Should Mikel depart for the Chinese Super League he would, of course, be following a host of players to the emerging league – with Oscar the most recent significant figure swapping the Premier League for China.
Whilst many were expecting Mikel to leave, the news has undoubtedly disappointed a few of the Chelsea fans in attendance. The Nigerian was a standout player in an albeit disappointing Chelsea team last season, and for him to not even be given a chance under Conte is surprising, to say the least.
Our landlord thinks that a move to China makes a lot of sense for the Nigerian, with one last payday the perfect reward for over a decade of service to the Blues.
Chelsea fans – thoughts?
Let us know below!
