Chelsea to Offer Defensive Midfielder New Five-Year Contract

Chelsea are ready to offer defensive midfielder Jon Obi Mikel a new five-year contract as they attempt to persuade the Nigerian to extend his stay at the club.

The 25-year-old is in the final 12 months of his current contract and Chelsea are keen to make sure that he is not tempted to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season on a free transfer.

Mikel was eventually signed by the west London club back in 2006 after a controversial transfer which saw him originally sign forms with Manchester United.

Chelsea were eventually forced to pay a transfer fee to both Manchester United and Lyn Oslo, a deal which has been highly successful for both the club and the player.

Mikel has played more than 250 games for Chelsea and is now in his seventh season with the club, having already won numerous trophies including the Premier League, four FA Cup's, the League Cup and the Champions League.

Talks are now well underway and Mikel's agent John Shittu revealed that the midfielder is keen to put pen-to-paper on a new contract.

"Mikel will soon sign a new five-year contract with an improved salary and we are just about finalising the details of it," Shittu is quoted as saying on ESPN.

"Mikel is one of Chelsea's most consistent performers and the club agrees with us he deserves a new and improved contract.

"He has a year left and Chelsea have decided to add four more years to it."

The midfielder has been an ever present in the Premier League this season and has helped the club secure a superb start as they currently sit top of the league.

Mikel is certain to feature in Chelsea's next game, a crunch clash against Manchester United as they will look to respond from a disappointing loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.