Mikel opens door to Galatasaray move

John-Obi Mikel has admitted he is keen to move from Chelsea to Galatasary and link up with former team-mate Didier Drogba.

The Nigeria international has been at Chelsea since 2006 but after winning one Premier League title, four FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, he is ready to leave London.

And the 26-year-old has admitted that the prospect of moving to Istanbul is one that appeals to him.

Mikel made 38 appearances for Chelsea last season, but was not a regular starter and this may be the reasoning behind his decision to move. The midfielder, who is currently at the FIFA Confederations Cup with Nigeria, admitted that his representatives were in discussions with Galatasaray and he had talked with Drogba about his prospective switch.

“I’m very pleased with Galatasaray’s offer,” he told Turkish newspaper, Sabah. “I asked Drogba for advice and he told me that Istanbul is a fantastic city, that Galatasaray is a huge club and that I have to make the move.

“I have played at Chelsea for a long time and it’s now time for me to leave.

“I’m still only 26 and it’s great to receive an offer from a club playing Champions League football and doing well in the competition.”

Having fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge Mikel is keen to get away, and is confident a deal can be done with the Turkish champions.

He added, “Talks have reached an advanced level between Chelsea and Galatasaray. Chelsea won’t make the move difficult and regarding my salary there won’t be a problem.

“All that is left is for the clubs to reach an agreement.”