Rumour: Inter Milan closing in on Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel after talks

John Obi Mikel of Chelsea

Serie A giants Internazionale are monitoring Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, according to the player’s agent, report Goal.

The Nigerian international has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Nemanja Matic in January and is unlikely to feature in manager Jose Mourinho’s future plans.

The midfielder has been at the west London outfit for eight years but has attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe due to his uncertain future.

Italian outfit Inter Milan have been linked with Mikel throughout the season and have reportedly stepped up their interest in the 27-year-old with the midfielder’s agent John Shittu claiming contact has been made between the two parties.

“Inter? What I can tell you is that I met with my client and the directors and they are interested in him. He is a great player who won the Champions League and the Africa Cup of Nations, so he is suited to the Nerazzurri’s standards.

“Inter is a possibility, but right now Mikel is a Chelsea player. I cannot tell you anything more on the negotiations. The fact remains that Mikel now has a contract with the Blues,” Shittu insisted.

Inter Milan owner Erick Thohir is expected to sanction several new additions to Walter Mazzarri’s squad in the summer, with several Premier League players on their transfer list having already confirmed the signing of Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic.