Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel has left Chelsea hanging by agreeing to a whopping £35 million summer transfer to Arsenal.
Mikel, who recently failed to lead Nigeria to yet another
Africa Cup of Nations, completed the four-year deal on his return from
the international break and with a take-home pay of £100,000 a week.
The 28-year-old midfielder’s future has been the subject of
much speculation at Stamford Bridge after his 10th year at the club,
with rumours he was headed for the lucrative Chinese Super League.
However, in a shocking twist to the tale, the Gunners moved
for the elegant enforcer seen to many as an ideal anchor in a turbulent
team and a perfect foil for the bubble of creative talents at the
Emirates.
The midfielder expressed his delight at the move and says he can’t wait to begin this new phase of his career.
“In many ways, this is a dream come true. Arsenal are a
great club with a very proud tradition and it will be the joy of every
player to represent them,” he said.
“I also look forward to work with the manager (Arsene) Wenger, whom I think is one of the best in the world.
Mikel addresses the press. Image: BBC
Describing Mikel as the ‘perfect midfielder’, Arsenal
manager Arsene Wenger was joyous with the acquisition as he welcomed the
Super Eagles captain with flowing words.
“He (Mikel) is the perfect midfielder,” Wenger said on Arsenal official website. “What Mikel gives a team is stability at the rear and a good fulcrum going forward.
“He has demonstrated his abilities at Chelsea down the years and on top of that he now has experience, which is priceless,” the Frenchman added.
“I think Mikel is a wonderful addition to the side and should play a big role in our rebuilding process.”
Arsenal take on Odion Ighalo’s Watford in the Premier League this weekend while Mikel and Chelsea are away at Aston Vill
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