Fenerbahce are ready to drop their interest in John Mikel Obi, because of the financial implications the transfer will come with.
The Turkish club’s president, Aziz Yildirim, admitted that they cannot match Chelsea’s valuation and the wages the Nigerian midfielder is asking for.
“Chelsea want €15 million and Mikel asked for €5 million a season over four years. We are talking €35 million,” Yildirim told reporters at their Topuk Yayla training ground.
“This definitely is not something we can pursue”.
It is has, however, emerged that Blues’ boss, Jose Mourinho, is not keen on selling Mikel Obi, who has attracted interest from United Arab Emirates teams, Al Ain and Al Wahda.
The 28-year-old started just six league matches last season and has two years left on his current deal.
“There’s absolutely no truth to reports linking Mikel with a move to Turkey or any Chinese club for that matter,” a source close to the talks told 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”, the source added.
Since moving to Stamford Bridge in 2006, Mikel Obi has made 339 appearances for the London club. .
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