John Obi Mikel could be set to leave Chelsea this summer in pursuit of regular first-team football unless new coach, Antonio Conte offers him first-team football.
Mikel has spoken to inbound Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and is prepared to hold off a move away until he holds further discussions with the manager when Italy’s Euro 2016 campaign ends.
However, Mikel – who would be keen to stay at Chelsea – is considering alternative options in case Conte does not offer him what he wants.
Chelsea have a policy of only offering one-year extensions to players over 30 which means it is in the 29-year-old’s interest to renew his contract this summer to secure a longer deal.
Mikel has previously spoken about his future after Nigeria played Egypt back in March and made it clear that he does not want to sit on the bench.
“I have to play because one thing I don’t want to do is to sit on the bench like I did before,” Mikel said.
“Wherever it is, I just want to play. When this season ends we will definitely sort out the contracts,” he added.
Mikel is Chelsea’s second longest-serving player after John Terry.