Chelsea veteran John Obi Mikel and perennial loanee Marco Van Ginkel are reportedly set to leave the club during the January transfer window.
With the January transfer window right around the corner, the rumour mill is churning once again. The latest reports link two current Chelsea players, John Obi Mikel and Marco Van Ginkel, with mid-season exits.
Mikel has fallen out of favour with Antonio Conte this season, making zero appearances for the Blues so far. His agent, John Shittu, has stated that a January departure is probable for the midfielder.
"It’s very likely he will leave Chelsea in January. There are many teams interested in the player. In the past we spoke with Inter Milan but now there are a lot of Italian clubs that want him…Even in UK, Spain, Germany and even in China know the value of the player and requested information about him. – via The Sun"
Having spent over a decade at Stamford Bridge, it appears as though Mikel’s time is up. He has been a loyal servant to the club throughout his stay and has been frequently relied upon to deliver a performance in big games.
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However, with a defined new philosophy and much-changed system, there is no longer room for the Nigerian in Conte’s starting plans. At the age of 29, he is rightfully exploring his options to gain as much regular football as possible before the curtain comes down on his active career.
Meanwhile, Marco Van Ginkel’s career hasn’t really got going yet. The midfielder joined the Blues in the summer of 2013 and has made just four competitive appearances. He has been shipped out on loan to AC Milan, Stoke City and PSV Eindhoven, but he was retained for this season.
Nevertheless, he has been nowhere near the first team and could now be on his way back to Holland.
"PSV Eindhoven sporting director Marcel Brands has confirmed the club want to sign Chelsea’s Marco van Ginkel…The midfielder is expected to leave in January – either on loan or permanently – and PSV are interested. – via Sky Sports"
Van Ginkel’s career path has been odd to say the least. He arrived as a youngster with immense talent, but he has never been given a chance to showcase his skills in a blue shirt. Each new Chelsea manager has looked past him, but with two more years until his contract expires, he remains on the books.
Given Chelsea’s history, a loan move seems most likely for Van Ginkel. The player, though, may push for a permanent switch so he can restart his career elsewhere.