Blues offer Obi mega contract

[the wes 7,212]

Chelsea are about to hand John Obi Mikel a new £15million deal. The Nigerian midfielder is in talks over a £60,000-a-week five-year contract following a string of star displays for the Blues this term.

Mikel, 21, still has three years to run on his current £40,000-a-week package but boss Big Phil Scolari is desperate to tie him down to see off any interest from abroad.

Mikel's agent, John Shittu, revealed: "It has been an ongoing discussion for two weeks now and only a few details remain.

"The player is happy at the club and the club also want to commit him to a long-term contract.

"There is absolutely no problem and both parties are on the right page.

"In a few days everything will be concluded. The player is at the right club, where the fans appreciate him and he also feels at home.

"Many people questioned his decision to come here but I think now he has proved himself and shown he deserves everything."

Mikel was a bit-part player in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge.

But with Michael Essien out injured, the £16m star has become a key part of Scolari's new-look regime. Mikel is relishing the role and is now gunning for Roma in tonight's Champions League tussle.

He said: "This is an away game at a very tough ground, it won't be an easy game — but we can fully wrap up qualification if we win.

"That makes it important for us. It's been a bumpy Champions League campaign for them this season and that will make them dig for a result.

"We know a win is crucial. It would afford us the luxury of concentrating on the league and other competitions without any distraction. Not so many teams travel to Rome to pick up a win.

"It has only happened on a few occasions but we are focused and determined to be in that classical league.

"It's key to maintain the momentum of the past two months.

"We are not only buoyed by the last result in the league but the fact that confidence and team spirit is on an unprecedented high.

"That is very crucial going into a big game like this."

Edited November 4, 2008 by the wes

[Elliott 7]

Sign the boy up, he's quality.

[terry26 6]

totally agree

and he's shown that he's matured as well - he doesn't get involved when he doesn't need to and gets on and plays the game

[.Cee 50]

Hope he signs a new deal soon.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Would be an absolutely wonderful piece of news, Mikel has been the most-improved and most-consistent player this season, he puts established players like Scholes, Mascherano and Barry to shame.

[Fulham Broadway 16,869]

He needs to fucking concentrate 100% of the time.

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

He needs to fucking concentrate 100% of the time.

.....I was waiting for a comment like that after his "tackle" last night. Last night aside he has been immense in midfield. A total gem.

[Ollie 4,400]

I dont actually like him at all, hes rash, hes half asleep and his concentration levels are so low. He was at fault for EVERY goal yesterday. Hes got talent but he aint world class by any stretch of the imagination. Diarra is a class above.

[Chelsea Lad 0]

Good, the kid's a rare talent. If we don't keep him he'll just go to another CL rival.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Was quite poor at critical times last night, but no-one stood out for me. I think Bridge is the only player who didn't put a foot wrong yesterday.

[chrismada9 1,948]

Mikel is a good player, don't get me wrong, but when he has a bad day, he really does have a bad day

The evidence clearly prevailed in the Roma game.

[warnie_666 1,081]

Bad Day at the office...Move on....That was his worst performancein Chelsea Shirt after being sent off against Reading on his debut.

[.Cee 50]

Mikel is a good player, don't get me wrong, but when he has a bad day, he really does have a bad day

The evidence clearly prevailed in the Roma game.

If we go by that logic, Essien won't be good enough for us because he once scored an own goal.

[True_Blue 469]

Bullshit he had one bad day let's fucking bury the lad,he is usually very good.

[Ollie 4,400]

when essien is back he'll walk straight back in and rightly so

[Joe Cool 388]

when essien is back he'll walk straight back in and rightly so

Why the fuck do you say that when he has been a great player for us this season. He's just like Makelele but he is a better passer and also (a bit) not as defensively secure YET

[Chelsea Lad 0]

when essien is back he'll walk straight back in and rightly so

Not really, Mikel has been one of our best players this season. We wouldn't be winning by such high scorelines if we didn't have him protecting our defence.

I do think his lack of experience has taking toll against the big sides this year and without doubt we have missed Essien against the likes of Man you, Liverpool and in both Roma games.

[Ollie 4,400]

Essien has EVERYTHING a central midfielder should have. He can defend, he can attack as shown when lampard was out last season, he can shoot, he has pace, he can score goals, he can tackle.... hes a fucking train and dominates games and the sooner he gets back in the team, the better. I love Michael Essien

Edited November 6, 2008 by OllieCFC