John Obi Mikel Set to Trade Chelsea for Inter Milan

Chelsea and Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel appears ready to quit Stamford Bridge in favour of Italian club Inter Milan.

The 27-year-old has struggled to make an impact during manager Jose Mourinho’s second spell as Chelsea boss, amassing just 10 Premier League starts this season (via Whoscored.com). Having fallen down the midfield pecking order at Stamford Bridge, Mikel is reportedly ready to throw in the towel on his Stamford Bridge career.

According to Anthony Chapman of the Express, the Nigerian “is one of Inter's top transfer targets and is keen to rebuild his reputation with the fallen Serie A giants.”

The San Siro club have already dipped their toes into the summer transfer market, confirming the future arrival of Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic. However, Walter Mazzarri will need to make vast improvements to the Nerazzurri over the summer months if they are going to climb back toward the summit of Italian football.

Inter Milan finished ninth after an extremely disappointing campaign last year. They have enjoyed a slightly better season this term, but are still over 30 points short of leaders Juventus.

Mikel famously joined Chelsea in 2006 under controversial circumstances. Per BBC Sport, the Nigerian’s transfer was subject of a bitter dispute between the Blues, Manchester United and Norweigan side Lyn—who originally agreed to sell the midfielder to the Red Devils 12 months previously.

The conclusion of that episode saw Chelsea pay £16 million in total, a fee they are unlikely to command from his sale.

With a Champions League, Premier League, four FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League and Africa Cup of Nations medal to his name, Mikel is an experienced and talented midfielder who would certainly add stability to the heart of the Nerazzurri side.

Mikel boasts 51 caps for his country and is set to play an integral part to the Super Eagles World Cup adventure this summer.

Inter Milan face city rival AC Milan at the San Siro on Sunday.