Chelsea defensive midfielder John Obi Mikel struggled to keep his spot in the starting lineup last season, and now appears primed to make a permanent move out of Stamford Bridge in an effort to preserve his football career.
According to the Express, Mikel’s representative revealed that he has been looking into a move to Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas, and is merely waiting on a reply from the Turkish team’s board before making his next move in the potential transfer process.
“Mikel did enquire about Besiktas and there were talks (but) it all depends on what their board decide to do,” Mikel’s rep Mesrun Izzet told Fotomac.
“Money is of course important but Mikel wants first-team football if he is to move.“
Per the source, Chelsea will accept a £7.7 million transfer fee for the Nigerian midfielder.
Mikel made 19 Premier League starts and appeared in 33 total matches for Chelsea last season, scoring one goal in the Champions League and making one assist in the BPL.
A transfer would be the end of a 10-year career at Stamford Bridge, during which he helped the team claim the Champions League, Europa League, two Premier League titles, four FA Cup titles and two League Cup titles.
Follow @jtmlovessports on Twitter
SEE MORE:
Man United chief travels to France to discuss £95m transfer target
Real Madrid superstar refuses to rule out Man City move ahead of Euro Semi-Finals
Chelsea transfer news: Juventus in talks over £19m winger & another Blue could follow to Turin