Chelsea Coach Rules Out January Exit For Obi Mikel

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has hinted that John Obi Mikel will remain at Stamford Bridge at the end of the January transfer window and the Nigeria national-teamer is unlikely to be offered a new contract at the end of this season.

Speculation had been rife that the defensive midfielder would depart the Blues next month with clubs in France, Spain, England and China interested in snapping him up.

“The situation with Obi Mikel is simple: he’s in the squad. He stays with us. We know that, at the end of the season, probably his contract will expire, ” Conte told reporters at Friday’s press conference.

“But I don’t know what happens now. He’s a player who is part of this squad, and every single game I take my decision about him.”

The Super Eagles captain has not played competitively for Chelsea this term despite being fit.

Igho Kingsley