‘Mikel Obi Is Going Nowhere’

Mikel Obi will not be leaving Chelsea, at least not during this transfer window, according to his agent John Shittu.

Mikel, 26, has been heavily linked with Turkish club Galatasaray throughout the summer, with Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala and Italian side Napoli also emerging as late entrants for his services.

But Shittu told KickOffNigeria that the Nigerian is going nowhere.

"He loves this club, the manager knows him and likes him and he will not be going anywhere during this transfer window," he insists.

Shittu admits that there had been interests in the player, but all suitors have been rebuffed by Chelsea and he denies that it was ever a question of the club's valuation not being met.

"Some clubs came in and expressed their interest but that is where it stopped. They were never allowed to get to the point where we could even begin to start talking about valuation or negotiation."

Shittu explains that it is down to match fitness.

"He didn't have a proper pre-season because he got a couple of weeks extra due to his Confederations Cup participation and then an injury so he is not fully match fit.

"When he starts playing is down to the manager, but as soon as he gets his match fitness back, he will be in contention."

With Shittu being so categorical about the midfielder not leaving this window, there is the suggestion that he could perhaps leave in January.

"We cannot say what will happen in the future. This is football and anything is possible. But for now, he is a Chelsea player, and is happy to remain a Chelsea player for the rest of his career."