Why Would Jose Mourinho Block Mikel's Exit From Chelsea?

Mikel Obi

Chelsea Manager, Jose Mourinho, has refused to sanction the sale of midfielder John Mikel Obi, delivering a blow to United Arab Emirates suitors Al Ain and Al Wahda.


The Nigeria international, who started only six league games last season, wants to leave Stamford Bridge after failing to hold down a regular starting place.


The 28-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, has been told he remains part of manager Mourinho's future plans.

"There's absolutely no truth to reports linking Mikel with a move to Turkey or any Chinese club for that matter," a source close to the talks told BBC Sport.


"Only two clubs from the UAE showed strong interest last month but they could not meet his club's valuation.
"Mikel has a contract with Chelsea until 2017, as things stand he will not be leaving the club this transfer window as speculated."
Mikel who moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2006 has increasingly become a fringe member of the squad due to the form of Nemanja Matic.


With the emergence of highly-rated midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the Super Eagle has fallen down the pecking order at the club ahead of the 2015/16 season.


Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in signing Mikel but BBC Sport understands Chelsea will only listen to a US $16.8 million offer.
The Turkish club's President, Aziz Yildirim,  told the local media they cannot meet Chelsea's valuation.


"Chelsea want €15 million and Mikel asked for €5 million a season over four years. We are talking €35 million," Yildirim told reporters at their Topuk Yayla training ground.


"This definitely is not something we can pursue."
Mikel has made 339 appearances in all competitions and has won every possible honour for Chelsea in his nine-year stint at the London club.


He has won two English Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, four English FA Cup, two League Cups and the Community Shield.


Mikel, who has been capped 70 times by Nigeria, won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and appeared in all Super Eagles' four matches at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.


Source: Thisday