Jon Obi Mikel has apparently expressed a desire to leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
A number of possible destinations for the midfielder have been discussed in recent weeks, but today’s reports suggest that a deal may already have been agreed.
Former Sunderland Striker Asamoah Gyan claims that the Nigeria international will be joining him at Abu Dhabi based club, Al Ain, before the start of the new season.
Talking to The Daily Mirror, Gyan said: “I heard it this week that he has agreed terms with Al Ain and will most definitely be playing for us next season.
“It will be exciting playing with him in the same team, because I believe both of us, with the help of our other colleagues, can do more for the club.”
Mikel is one of Chelsea’s longest serving players and is a valued squad member, but the Super Eagles star has privately expressed concerns about his lack of game time in recent months.
His concerns are likely to have been exacerbated by the emergence of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is one of a number of young players Jose Mourinho intends to give increased first-team exposure to next season.
At the age of 28, Mikel is already into the best years of his career and he may feel that now is the best time to move on in pursuit of regular first team football.
It’s also arguable that Chelsea haven’t ever seen his best form, due to the fact that he rarely got a clear run in the first team.
Over the years a number of top class sides have expressed an interest in the powerful midfielder, including Inter Milan and Real Madrid, so it seems unusual that he would take a step down in quality to play in a minor league when there are better opportunities available.
However this transfer scenario plays out; Mikel has been a dedicated and reliable player at Stamford Bridge and would bring quality and assurance to any side he joins.
