Huge salary ends Marseille’s interest in midfielder

Mikel Obi has been left out of Chelsea squad so far this season since he returned from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games where he won bronze in the football event with the Nigeria U-23 team.

Mikel has already stated his readiness to leave Chelsea in January and Lique 1 side Marseille are interested in signing the midfielder.

The 29-year-old’s reported £3.4m-a-year salary is, however, threatening to bring an end to the move.

According to French outlet Le 10 Sport, Marseille manager Rudi Garcia was looking to bring the midfielder in the January transfer window to bolster his squad.

After failing to make Antonio Conte’s team this season, Mikel Obi has revealed that he is ready to leave the club in January.

“We will wait and see what happens in January,” the 29-year-old midfielder told.

“For the first time in my career, this is happening to me and I have to stand up and deal with it.

“It is what it is but I'm training hard every day and I always wish the team the best and I am happy we are doing well.

ALSO READ: Conte says he is pleased with Mikel Obi's attitude

“I've been at Chelsea a long time. Managers come and go, players come and go. I've been at Chelsea a long time and these things happen in football. So we will have to make that decision when January comes.”

Mikel is the second oldest serving Chelsea player in the club currently and has won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Europe League trophy and a Champions League at the club.