Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi is set to undergo a medical today as he nears a move
to Chinese Super League side Tianjin TEDA.
The Dailymail said Mikel, 29, has been offered a package worth around £140,000 per week to become the latest player to swap Europe for the riches of Asia’s emerging football market.
The Nigeria international has held talks with Valencia, while Marseille and Inter Milan have also shown interest, but
Tianjin are now at the front of the queue.
Antonio Conte has not included the midfielder in his plans this season, with Mikel out of the first-team picture and
behind N’Golo Kante, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and Nathaniel Chalobah in the pecking order.
He has continued to train with the rest of the squad but a return to action at Stamford Bridge, where he has spent 11
years, has long-looked unlikely.
Tianjin, who count former Sporting Lisbon midfielder Fredy Montero and ex-CSKA Moscow forward Wagner among their stars,
are now offering a way out.
A three-year deal is understood to have been offered to Mikel.
Terms are yet to be finalised but the move is far enough along for a medical check to be undertaken ahead of the potential transfer.
Mikel is primed to leave Chelsea having won two Premier League
titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in his time in
west London.
Tianjin, who count former Sporting Lisbon midfielder Fredy
Montero and ex-CSKA Moscow forward Wagner among their stars,
are now offering a way out.
