Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen on Nigerian international midfielder John Obi Mikel staying at the club next season.
BBC African football journalist Oluwashina Okeleji spoke to Mikel’s representatives who stated that the Nigerian international midfielder will be staying at Chelsea over the summer.
Okeleji told Turkish-football.com: “Conte wants him to stay at the club and he’s also off to the Olympics.”
The Express did however, claim that Besiktas were preparing a move for Chelsea and had made an enquiry over his transfer. According to the source, Chelsea would have accepted a £7.7 million bid for the experienced midfielder but it now seems Besiktas will have to wait at least another season to sign Mikel.
“There’s nothing to the Besiktas story,” he added.
Mikel does have another year remaining on his contract meaning that Besiktas would be able to enter direct talks with the Nigerian international in January should Chelsea decide not to renew his contract.
The 29-year-old will be joining the Nigerian squad for the Olympics this summer and is expected to remain at the Premier League outfit for at least another season.
The Turkish Super Lig champions are in the market this summer for midfield reinforcements ahead of their Champions League campaign.