Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Romelu Lukaku, Mikel John Obi Rumours

Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri has attempted to walk back comments manager Ronald Koeman recently made which appeared to suggest striker and Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku needs to leave Goodison Park to further his career.

Speaking to TalkSport (h/t the London Evening Standard), Moshiri, who owns almost 50 percent of Everton, tried to downplay Koeman's previous remarks: "Koeman said he believes Romelu will develop into one of the best strikers in the world in the next two to three years and wouldn't be out of place at his old club Barcelona. It is just player-coach talk."

Koeman had appeared to suggest Lukaku is destined for bigger and better things. The Toffees chief was speaking to Belgian newspaper HLN (h/t BBC Sport) when he made the contentious comments: "His potential is greater and higher than Everton as a final destination. If Romelu was to play at Everton until the end of his career I know he has left something behind."

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Those words may well have echoed at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have regularly been linked with the attacker who used to be on their books.

Another report from the London Evening Standard revealed how Chelsea manager Antonio Conte "tried and failed to re-sign the 23-year-old this summer." The player himself even admitted he opted against forcing a move back to Chelsea to stay at Everton, per an interview with Belgian publication Het Nieuwsblad (h/t Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph).

The Telegraph's Sam Wallace had previously detailed how the Blues were contemplating trying to tempt Everton with a deal worth up to £70 million, one also including French striker Loic Remy.

Of course, Lukaku's own wishes scuppered any such proposal.

Still, Chelsea may remain keen—especially since their own centre-forward is injured. Prolific Diego Costa has returned from an international call-up with a suspected groin injury, per BBC Sport.

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Lukaku has accelerated his development since joining the Toffees. His blend of awesome pace, imposing physical power and sweet left foot make him devastating to defences.

The dynamic No. 10 has already hit seven goals in England's top flight this season, according to WhoScored.com. At 23, his best years are ahead of him. He'd be worth a mega-money offer from Chelsea to test Koeman's resolve in the near future.

Mikel John Obi Ready to Move in January

Forgotten midfield man Mikel John Obi is reportedly considering leaving Chelsea during the January transfer window.

The Nigerian holding player told ESPN FC's Colin Udoh how a lack of playing time is forcing him to reconsider his future at Stamford Bridge: "We will wait and see what happens in January. For the first time in my career, this is happening to me and I have to stand up and deal with it."

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Mikel indicated how he's no stranger to changes at Chelsea, changes in both the playing and coaching staffs: "Managers come and go, players come and go. I've been at Chelsea a long time and these things happen in football. So we will have to make that decision when January comes."

Udoh's article also referenced comments from Nigeria national coach Gernot Rohr. He believes 29-year-old Mikel is being frozen out because he chose to play for his nation at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

It's difficult to think Chelsea would actually punish a player for wanting to play at the Olympics. Mikel usually plays a different role for Nigeria, anyway—one he might welcome.

He's often operated more advanced for his country rather than in the defensive role that's been his purview at Chelsea for over a decade.

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MailOnline's Oliver Todd noted how talks over a new contract haven't been arranged with a player whose deal expires in 2017. Todd also pointed out how Conte is yet to name Mikel in a squad for a competitive match since he took charge in the summer.

Losing Mikel would be a minor blow for Chelsea. He's been a key presence in the squad, an enforcer and closer who has helped the team see out many games with his defensive instincts and underrated passing radar.

However, Conte has been content to get by without those skills up to now.

He might not be as willing to continue being so reliant on Costa as his only credible centre-forward, though. A bid for Lukaku may be inevitable.