• Premier League

Mikel confirms he is on verge of Galatasaray move

ESPN staff
June 20, 2013
John Obi Mikel expects to join Galatasaray © Getty Images
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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has confirmed he is on the verge of completing a move to Turkish side Galatasaray.

Mikel, 26, has been strongly linked with Galatasaray in recent weeks - and has now suggested he has already agreed personal terms with the Istanbul outfit, and is just waiting for both clubs to agree a transfer fee.

Galatasaray are believed to be ready to pay around £7m for the Nigeria international, while Chelsea are keen to recoup at least £10m for a player that cost them around £17m - following a legal wrangle with Manchester United - back in 2006.

However, Mikel does not believe Chelsea will play hardball in negotiations.

"I have played at Chelsea for a long time and it's now time for me to leave," Mikel told Turkish newspaper Sabah. "I'm still only 26 and it's great to receive an offer from a club playing Champions League football and doing well in the competition."

He added: ''Talks have reached an advanced level between Chelsea and Galatasaray. Chelsea won't make the move difficult and regarding my salary there won't be a problem.

"All that is left is for the clubs to reach an agreement."

If Mikel does leave Stamford Bridge, Blues boss Jose Mourinho is expected to pursue the likes of Roma's Daniele De Rossi to reinforce his midfield options - while the club has also entered the race for Barcelona's attacking midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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