Jose Mourinho’s refusal to sanction offers for John Obi Mikel was the biggest factor in Al Ain’s inability to sign the Chelsea midfielder, it has been revealed.
Last month, Mikel’s agent confirmed his client had “agreed personal terms” with the Arabian Gulf League champions, with a fee between the two clubs the only aspect left to settle.
However, talk of Mikel’s proposed move to UAE football went quiet, and Al Ain have since signed Brazilian midfielder Fellipe Bastos.
According to the BBC, the reason Mikel's move cooled was because Al Ain would not meet Chelsea's valuation. The report also credits Al Wahda with an interest in the 28-year-old, although they too were put off by the asking price. Al Wahda have opted for former Arsenal midfielder Denilson.
MORE ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE NEWS
Emmanuel Emenike ‘does not worry’ about replacing Asamoah Gyan at Al Ain
Al Wahda complete signing of Copa America champion Jorge Valdivia
AGL fixtures released: Al Ain begin title defence against Al Dhafra
"There's absolutely no truth to reports linking Mikel with a move to Turkey or any Chinese club for that matter," a source is quoted as telling BBC Sport.
“Only two clubs from the UAE showed strong interest last month but they could not meet his club’s valuation.
“Mikel has a contract with Chelsea until 2017, as things stand he will not be leaving the club this transfer window as speculated.”
Mikel moved to Chelsea in 2006 but has found himself increasingly marginalised in recent seasons. The prominence of Nemanja Matic in the Chelsea midfield limited Mikel to six league starts last season.
The emergence of highly-rated youth player Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set to further limit Mikel’s chances next season.
Big-spending Turkish club Fenerbahce are reported to be interested, but they too are refusing to meet Chelse’a price.
“Chelsea want €15 million and Mikel asked for €5 million a season over four years. We are talking €35 million,” Fenerbahce chairman Aziz Yildirim said.
“This definitely is not something we can pursue.”
During his nine years at Chelsea, Mikel has made 339 appearances and won every club honour available.
As well as two Premier League titles, Mikel has won the Uefa Champions league, Uefa Europa League, four FA Cups and two League Cups.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @NatSportUAE
