The reported interest of Inter Milan in Mikel Obi is steady as the Italians are increasing their close watch on the Nigerian. The latest move to landing the Super Eagles midfielder in Milan came with the UEFA Champions League match played in London on Tuesday between Chelsea and Galatasaray of Turkey.
Inter’s technical director Piero Ausilio flew to London to see the game in order to watch Mikel and Samuel Eto’o, according to Sky Italia. It is claimed that both players are being considered by the Serie A club as possible signings this summer.
In the Tuesday’s high profile game, Eto’o, who had a two-year spell at Inter before leaving in 2011, scored Chelsea’s first goal. Mikel was an unused substitute.
The Inter interest in the Nigerian was first reported early last month even though several others from different clubs were highlighted during the last summer transfers and as well during the January Transfer Window. Speculations over the future of the Nigerian took the backburner when Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho began fielding the midfielder on his return to Stamford Bridge. But in spite of the initial favourable disposition of Mourinho towards Mikel, it is now a contrast as the defensive midfielder has found it very tough tying down a first team role with the English club. Mikel has been used sparingly, and in most cases as a substitute, since he returned to England after a brief visit to Lagos for the African Footballer of the Year event in January.
The PUNCH could not get a statement from Mikel’s aide on the development on Wednesday.
Eto’o who has just a year contract with Chelsea has remained a regular for Mourinho’s team but received a scathing remark from the Portuguese in a secretly taped conversation between Mourinho and a client. The manager raised questions on the attacker’s real age.
Similarly, Fredy Guarin has been tipped to sign a new contract at Inter, which Talksport claim would be a blow for Chelsea. The Colombian midfielder has consistently been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and there has been speculation that a bid could be tabled for him in the summer.
And Chelsea are again being linked with Atletico Madrid stars Filipe Luis and Diego Costa. Blues scouts were reportedly sent to watch the duo in action as the rebuilding process continues for Mourinho.
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