. Asamoah Gyan has confirmed that John Obi Mikel has agreed terms with Al Ain, but according to Sky Sports, the Chelsea FC midfielder has been told that he wona t be sold.
The 28-year-old midfieldera s future at Stamford Bridge has come under a lot of speculations this summer. Mikel made only 18 appearances in the League last season, 12 of which came as a substitute. The Nigerian international has fallen down the pecking order and with the arrival of Nemanja Matic last summer, Mikel is unlikely to see regular first team action anytime soon.
Mikel has been at the club since 2006 and was initially seen as the replacement for Michael Essien, but injuries and inconsistent performances meant that he has never really lived up to those expectations. The midfielder is keen on playing regular football once again and is prepared to leave Chelsea in order to achieve that next season. Reports have linked him with a move to UAE, and Al Ain captain Asamoah Gyan has confirmed that Mikel has agreed a deal with them.
“I heard it this week that he (Mikel Obi) has agreed terms with Al Ain and will most definitely be playing for us next season. It’s great news for us because Mikel Obi is a very good player and very experienced. 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.” a Asamoah Gyan said in an interview.
Reports in English media suggest that Chelsea are already looking for a replacement and have been linked with a move for Belgian duo Mousa Dembele and Axel Witsel. Sources at Sky Sports have however claimed that the London club are unwilling to sell Mikel this summer. Mikela s current contract with the reigning Premier League champions runs till 2017, but the midfielder is sure to push for a move despite Chelseaa s resistance.
Sources: John Obi Mikel wants to leave Chelsea because he’s not getting regular football but has been told they don’t want to sell him
a Amy Lewis (@SkySportsAmy) June 23, 2015