The Nigerian international is the latest Premier League player to be heavily linked with a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce, where he could join Nani and Robin van Persie.
The Daily Star have picked up on claims by Ersin Duzen – a presenter of Turkish football show Futbol Ganlugu- that the Nigerian international has held talks with the Istanbul club.
Mikel has something of a cult status at Chelsea after nine years at the club having chosen the Blues over Manchester United in a controversial transfer from Norwegian side Lyn Oslo.
His first team chances have become increasingly scarce over the last two seasons, playing just 21 games last season.
The claims from Ersin Duzen suggest that the midfielder is now desperate for a change and has met with Fenerbahce sporting director Giuliano Terrane to discuss a deal.
OUR VIEW
After dubious beginnings, Mikel has been a very loyal servant to Chelsea over the last nine years – on the pitch and off it. He has curbed some of his attacking instincts to play a disciplined defensive role for the Blues and has won 10 major trophies as his reward.
Now 28, Mikel understandably wants to be playing more often than before rather than less and Chelsea should be able to find a suitable replacement without too much trouble. A move makes sense and if it is to Fenerbahce then they will be an even bigger source of interest to Premier League fans next season.
According to a report in the Daily Star, the English champions will complete the signing of Brazilian winger Kenedy from Fluminese in a £6.3 million deal after he completed a medical on Tuesday.
The winger, 19, is set to sign a five-year deal with Jose Mourinho’s side.
He will join his fellow countryman Nathan, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Atletico Paranaense in May.
The report in the Daily Star also claims that Fluminese had last month sold Kenedy to an ‘investment company’ who are brokering the deal that will see the player join the London club..
Kenedy will apparently be loaned out to Chelsea’s Duch feeder club Vitesse Arnhem next season when the transfer is finalised.
OUR VIEW
In another example of Chelsea’s financial muscle and wealth, the club will pay over £6 million for a player who is only going to be an investment for the future. London is always a big draw for players from overseas, but money is also a big factor. You do wonder how much of an interest Manchester United had in the player, and how much they would be willing to go in terms of wages and a fee when Chelsea, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain become involved in the bidding. It is perhaps better to choose your battles wisely in the transfer market this weather especially when an ‘investment company’ can demand and raise the price for talent from abroad.
