John Obi Mikel nearing Chelsea exit, Romelu Lukaku to cost the Blues 26 million Pounds
John Obi Mikel could leave Chelsea next season
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel revealed he could be leaving Stamford Bridge at the end of the season due to lack of first team football. The 23-year-old has lost his place in the squad ever since the arrival of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ramires-c30523 last season and has only made 26 appearances this season. It is understood that the Nigeria international is unhappy and is considering a move away.
Mikel arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lyn Oslo in 2005 for a fee of £12 million but is now valued at an estimated £25 million with his contract set to expire in 2013. However, top sides like Manchester United and Real Madrid are said to be interested in the midfielder if he does indeed leave the London side at the end of this campaign.
With the way things are going, it is a possibility that Mikel will have to leave Chelsea in search for regular football. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear he prefers Ramires over Mikel, with the Nigerian left to warm the bench. Mikel, who has put in consistent performances for the Blues since his arrival, feels he deserves another chance.
Mikel said while speaking to reporters, “It has been difficult for me watching from the sidelines. I will sit down at the end of the season and think about it. It is hard to do that now because we are focusing hard on the games we are facing. You need to do it for the good of your own career but you don't rush into things.”
Anderlecht star Lukaku worth £26 million
Anderlecht are determined not to lose Romelu Lukaku to the English Premier League and have placed a £26 million price tag on the 17-year-old striker. The club’s general manager Herman van Holsbeeck said while speaking to reporters, “The Lukaku price in the market is 30 million euro (£26 million).”
Ever since last season, the Belgium international has been under the radar for many top European sides including Real Madrid, Manchester United, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 and Tottenham Hotspur. Holsbeeck admitted he expected the “new Drogba” to eventually end up in England.
He continued, “We know that Real Madrid are interested, but I think his future would rather be in England. Teams like Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool are interested. But if the two Manchester clubs enter the race, it might be interesting.”
Lukaku signed a contract with Anderlecht in 2009 when he turned 16 and has been with the club since then. He made just a single appearance in his first season and did not get his debut goal until his second season at the club.
His second season at the Belgian outfit was much more eventful, he made 45 appearances and scored 19 goals and provided 6 assists. This season he has made 38 appearances, scoring 16 times. Despite his young age he has a mature understanding of the game and his strong build makes him a tough opponent to deal with.
Tags: