According to Le10Sport, Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel will leave the club in January with his likely destination to be Marseille. New boss Rudi Garcia is anxious for reinforcements as he tries to rescue a failing season and the 29-year-old Nigerian is top of his current shopping list.
 

There is however, reported to be competition from China were the player would be guaranteed an annual salary of almost €4 million, matching that what he currently earns at Stamford Bridge. Mikel has been with the West London club for 10 years but under new coach Antonio Conte, has slipped down the pecking order. The Italian tactician has made no secret of the fact that he would like to off-load players that he feels are surplus to requirement and the Nigerian international falls into this category.  

During his time in England, Mikel has won two Premier League titles, a Champions League and four FA Cups. He also won a Bronze Medal with his country in the 2016 Rio Olympics Football Tournament.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler