John Obi Mikel linked with Chelsea exit. Should they listen to offers?

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John Obi Mikel is being linked with a move to Serie A again, with AC Milan said to be keen, but would Chelsea be willing to listen to offers.

The arrival and subsequent emergence of Nemanja Matic as a world-class holding midfielder at Chelsea has been nothing but positive for the club, but it has impacted negatively on one of his Stamford Bridge colleagues.

John Obi Mikel was the Blues’ go-to man in that position, with the Nigeria international entrusted with a very important role in a number of big games at home and abroad.

He now finds himself filling back-up duties, with only four Premier League starts made this season and one more in Champions League competition.

Removing Matic is going to be a near impossible task, with the tough-tackling Serbia international being tipped to go from strength to strength.

AC Milan, following reported interest from cross-city rivals Inter Milan over the summer, are among those to have noted Mikel’s lack of playing time in west London and are said to be mulling over a move.

They are ready to turn their attention elsewhere after failing to land Atletico Madrid’s Mario Suarez and have drawn up a list of possible alternatives.

Paris St Germain’s Thiago Motta figures prominently in Filippo Inzaghi’s thoughts, but so too does Mikel.

It would be interesting to see how open Chelsea are to transfer talks if a formal approach was made.

They have enjoyed considerable success with Mikel over the last eight-and-a-half years, but they are hardly lacking in midfield options.

Jose Mourinho also has Marco van Ginkel to welcome back into his plans, following a troubled loan spell at AC Milan which has been disrupted by injury, and the Portuguese tactician may decide that the time is right to cash-in on a long-serving performer if suitable terms are tabled.