Chelsea to loan Mikel out in January

Premier League leaders, Chelsea, are willing to let Super Eagles’ captain, Mikel John Obi, leave on loan in January, according to reports in France.

The midfielder is struggling to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge this season, with N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic currently keeping him out of the side. He missed the start of the campaign in order to represent Nigeria at Rio 2016.

He is yet to make an appearance for his club this season, leading to claims he may quit Chelsea and he hinted in November that may be the case.

And, according to France Football, Mikel may finally get his wish in January as he will be allowed to leave on loan.The Blues board are reportedly understanding about the 29-year-old’s desire for more football and are ready to meet his wishes.

Mikel’s current contract is due to expire in the summer too, meaning he would be allowed to leave for free even if he does not go in January.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been fined £100,000 for failing to control their players during their victory over Manchester City earlier this month.

City have also received a fine of £35,000 for the brawl in the closing minutes of their 3-1 defeat at the Eithad on December 3.The two clubs had been charged with “failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behavior.”

Sergio Aguero’s late tackle on David Luiz sparked unrest between both sides and their respective benches; the Argentine striker and his team-mate Fernandinho were sent off, while Cesc Fabregas and Nathaniel Chalobah avoided sanction despite finding themselves at the centre of the melee.

The Blues have received a sizeable fine after the fifth such offence in 19 months.Chelsea received the league’s record fine for indiscipline in May this year – £290,000 – and were warned over their future conduct after another brawl that marred their 2-2 draw against Tottenham.

It had been rumoured that Chelsea could face a points deduction, though it was a possibility that Antonio Conte laughed off after his side’s 1-0 home win over West Brom. The Blues currently sit three points clear at the top of the table.