Chelsea Transfer News: John Obi Mikel to sign for Valencia after China snub
Mikel has been at Chelsea since arriving from Norwegian side Lyn Fotball back in 2006. However, despite being the club's second-longest serving player, Mikel has fallen out of favour under Antonio Conte. With his contract up in the summer, the veteran is expected to leave on a free transfer this month.
GETTY John Obi Mikel looks set to leave Chelsea
GETTY John Obi Mikel won Olympic bronze with Nigeria in the summer
And The Sun claim it will be Valencia - not China - where the player will pursue a new challenge. Chinese Super League clubs were said to be monitoring the Nigeria international ahead of a January deal. And with team-mate Oscar joining Shanghai SIPG, a reunion in the Far East looked on the cards.
GETTY John Obi Mikel won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012
Oscar arrives in China to complete £60m move from Chelsea Mon, January 2, 2017 Oscar has received a hero's welcome after touching down in China to complete a £60m move from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 6 Oscar looks less-than-impressed after arriving in China to complete his big-money move from Chelsea