Gyan keen to play alongside Mikel

But it remains highly unlikely the Chelsea midfielder will transfer to the Arabian Gulf League champions.

John Obi Mikel. AFP
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Asamoah Gyan says he is looking forward to playing alongside John Obi Mikel at Al Ain – even though it remains highly unlikely the Chelsea midfielder will transfer to the Arabian Gulf League champions.

Recent reports in the African media claimed Nigeria international Mikel, 28, had agreed personal terms with the Garden City side.

However, talk of Mikel’s arrival at Al Ain seems premature, with sources at the Garden City side denying formal negotiations have taken place. Mikel is said to be seeking a move away from Chelsea in a bid to guarantee first-team football, while the English Premier League champions are thought to be open to offers. It is understood, though, that Al Ain have not made an official approach for the midfielder. In the past month, Mikel has also been linked with Al Wahda.

Last week, a reported representative for the player said: “Mikel has agreed personal terms with Al Ain and it is now left for Chelsea and the club to agree on a transfer fee. He has returned to England to communicate all this to Chelsea. We just have to wait and see what Chelsea say in this regard.”

Gyan, currently enjoying an end-of-season break in Ghana, was asked on Accra’s Metro TV this week about the prospect of teaming up with Mikel at Al Ain. The striker, who has become the UAE league’s most prolific forward since joining the club from Sunderland in 2011, was quoted as describing the transfer as “great news”.

“I heard it this week that he has agreed terms with Al Ain and will most definitely be playing for us next season,” Gyan said. “It’s great news for us because Mikel Obi is a very good player and very experienced.”

“It will be exciting playing with him in the same team, because I believe both of us, with the help of our other colleagues, can do more for the club.”