Chelsea
boss Antonio Conte is keen on Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel staying at
the Stanford Bridge club next season.
BBC African football
journalist Oluwashina Okeleji spoke to Mikel’s representatives who
stated that the Nigerian international midfielder will be staying at Chelsea
over the summer.
Okeleji told Turkish-football.com: “Conte wants him to stay at the
club and he’s also off to the Olympics.”
The Express did however, claim that
Besiktas were preparing a move for Chelsea and had made an enquiry over
his transfer.
According to the source, Chelsea would have accepted a £7.7
million bid for the experienced midfielder but it now seems Besiktas will
have to wait at least another season to sign Mikel.
“There’s nothing to the
Besiktas story,” he added.
Mikel does have another year remaining on his
contract meaning that Besiktas would be able to enter direct talks with the
Nigerian international in January should Chelsea decide not to renew his
contract.
The 29-year-old will be joining the Nigerian squad for the
Olympics this summer and is expected to remain at the Premier
League outfit for at least another season.
The Turkish Super Lig champions are
in the market this summer for midfield reinforcements ahead of their Champions
League campaign.
Labels: Conte keen to keep Mikel, Mikel Obi to remain at Chelsea fc
