Despite the several speculations around Mikel Obi as the summer transfer market continues to yield results, Chelsea have hinted they are keeping him for now. Transfer rumours hit an all time high for the Nigeria international last month after he and his compatriot Victor Moses were initially left out of the pre-season tour of Europe embarked upon by the Stamford Bridge team. Last week he was listed among the players that will likely be sold.
At the peak of his sale stories last season, it was suggested that the midfielder would be available for a cut-price fee of £5m to any of the Italian clubs, but particularly Inter Milan.
However, the club has moved quickly to dispel any such rumours with it being confirmed, by a source close to the player that the Nigerian is staying with the source remarking,
“Although Mikel is not first choice, he’s the first person Jose turns to when he wants a particular job done. The manager knows he can just slot him in there and he`ll do a great job. Jose (Mourinho) has told Mikel he is still part of his plans for next season,” a British news portal, Vitalfootball reported.
Mikel will be eligible to become a British citizen by October and it has been explained that the opportunity for the Nigerian was also put into the equation.
Mikel featured in the Chelsea loss on Sunday to Werder Bremen in Germany.
Chelsea lost their first game of pre-season as a near full-strength line-up was well beaten 3-0 by Werder Bremen in Germany, according to Sky Sports.
Belgian star Thibault Courtois made his first appearance in a Chelsea shirt as he started in goal, but he could do little as Bremen took a two-goal lead into the break.
Dutch star Eljero Elia opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 18 minutes after Blues captain John Terry was penalised for handling the ball.
Ludovic Obraniak’s header then doubled the hosts’ advantage just before the break as he punished some static Chelsea defending.
Half-time saw Chelsea legend Didier Drogba return to the fold – as he replaced Diego Costa – but Chelsea again made little impact after the break as Werder extended their lead with a second penalty.
Nathan Ake was harshly ruled to have conceded a foul and Felix Kroos – brother of Toni – slotted home from 12 yards.
Chelsea have two matches remaining of their pre-season, with games against Ferencvaros and Real Sociedad to come before they open their Premier League campaign at Burnley.
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