Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel, 29, is preparing to bid farewell to Chelsea with effect from the January transfer window, with manager Antonio Conte confirming that the holding midfielder has not yet been offered a new deal.
And to make matters worse, the Blues number twelve has not made a single appearance for the club since returning to Stamford Bridge in September despite being fit.
“In every squad there are players who arrive at the end of their contract and then together the club will take a decision,” Conte told reporters on Friday afternoon.
“The most important thing is that Mikel is working very well. I am pleased with his work rate.”
It is understood that clubs based in France, Turkey, Italy, United States and China are monitoring the situation of Mikel and will swoop for him if he leaves Chelsea.
The former Lyn Oslo starlet has been on the books of the London team since 2006.
credit: allnigeriasoccer