You can go, Conte tells Mikel

Any hope of Mikel Obi being part of Chelsea’s main team this season may have been dashed after manager, Antonio Conte, told the Nigerian international to look elsewhere in the January transfer window.

Mikel, who is Chelsea’s current second longest serving player has been told in unmistakable terms by Conte to leave the club as he has no place in his plan.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria captain is still waiting for his first competitive appearance for Chelsea under Conte, but it appears he will stay frozen out of the team as he doesn’t feature in the plans of the coach.

The midfielder had expressed the hope of an opportunity to feature in the EFL Cup game against West Ham on Wednesday but was ignored by Conte as his team lost 2-1.

Coach of Ni g e r i a ‘ s national team Gernot Rohr, reportedly met with Chelsea’s Technical Director Mike Emenalo on Wednesday, who revealed to Rohr that Mikel is not in the plans of the Italian manager.

“Talks were held between Mikel and the manager. As for now he has been told he can leave in January, mind you his contract is set to expire in the summer” a source close to the midfielder told Owngoalnigeria. com.

“The re’s every possibility for him to leave Chelsea either on loan or permanently in January. But the summer looks more likely. Every story must have an end. After 11 seasons, Mikel wants to move on and so do Chelsea too,” the source said.