Nigeria Midfielder Linked With Blues Exit - Why Mikel Could Be Shipped Out By Chelsea

As Chelsea look to pack their midfielder, one man who could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge is John Obi Mikel.  The 27-year-old only featured in 24 Premier League games last season, and now looks set to struggle even more for a place in the Blues’ lineup.

According to the Express, the Nigerian could be one of those who make way for the potential arrival of Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira.  Although the club is notoriously wealthy thanks to Roman Abramovich’s chequebook, this selling of other players is seen to be part of an attempt to balance the books.  The introduction of Financial Fair Play rules makes raising cash for new signings in this way extra significant.

Despite losing Frank Lampard, who was a stalwart of Chelsea’s midfield for 13 years, the side is still looking strong with the addition of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.  Mikel recently returned from representing his country at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, helping them get out of their group by finishing second to Argentina.  His World Cup debut will no doubt have helped make him known to teams across Europe, something the Blues can exploit in an attempt to sell him.

As more of a defensive midfielder, the work Mikel does at Chelsea often goes unnoticed by supporters.  However, there are many teams out there who could do with a player who breaks up play as well as he does, and they may be able to get him if he is no longer in Jose Mourinho’s plans.