According to Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, John Obi Mikel is in advanced talks over a summer move to Olympique de Marseille.
The long-serving Blues mifielder hasn’t made a single appearance for Chelsea this season and his contract with the club is set to expire this summer.
His coach at Nigeria’s national side claims that the 29-year-old is set to choose the Ligue 1 side as his next challenge.
I saw Obi Mikel in London. He is in advanced discussions with Olympique Marseille. He will leave Chelsea for free, this is a serious option.
– Gernot Rohr, Europe 1
Antonio Conte spoke about the player’s situation at the club in September, and the player is unlikely going to be offered a new deal at the end of the season.
Have I spoken to him now? No, but I repeat, now it’s important to be focused on the championship in this period. We are in November. It’s important to be focused on the pitch. Then, we can focus on other situations in time.
It’s normal in every squad, there are players who are towards the end of their contract, and they and the club together take a decision on their futures. Mikel is working very well now. In the past he’s sometimes had some injuries. But now he’s working very hard, and I’m pleased with his work rate.
– Antonio Conte, ESPN
