Chelsea Keen To Tie John Obi Mikel Down

Chelsea are on the verge of bumping up Jon Obi Mikel’s current contract in an effort to keep him at the club for another five years.

Quite surprisingly, given some of the Chelsea salaries, the 21 year old is only on £40,000 a week for the next three years. What isn’t so surprising given Mikel’s impressive start to this season which has seen him become an integral part of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team, is the fact that Chelsea are keen to secure him in the longer term. So, the plan is to offer him an improved five-year deal worth £60,000 a week.

Mikel’s agent, John Shittu has confirmed the negotiations, stating “It has been an ongoing discussion for two weeks now and only a few details remain.  The player is happy at the club and the club also want to commit him to a long-term contract. There is absolutely no problem and both parties are on the right page. In a few days everything will be concluded. The player is at the right club, where the fans appreciate him and he also feels at home. Many people questioned his decision to come here but I think now he has proved himself and shown he deserves everything.”

I’m sure I won’t be alone in being very happy to hear this news either, because despite the odd hiccup at the start of his Chelsea career, not to mention a slightly dodgy temperament, after Makelele’s departure and Essien’s injury, the Nigerian has stepped up to do a first rate job for us.

An extra £20,000 a week has to be a sound investment on Chelsea’s part.