We've been running with a few dubious sources on the Mikel-to-Marseille rumor, so let's continue on that note with a report from Le 10 Sport (via Punch) claiming that Olympique Marseille manager Rudi Garcia is "desperate" to sign Mikel, but affording his wages would be "problematic".
Selon @le10sportexclu Obi Mikel s'oriente plus vers la Chine que vers l'OM. Son salaire pose problème.#OM #MercatOM https://t.co/KJlmAnpzMu
— Le Phocéen (@lephoceen) November 16, 2016
Chelsea undoubtedly pay some of the best wages in world football, so Mikel should expect a drop in income if and when he moves on. But perhaps the drop at OM would be too big considering the limited earnings window of most professional athletes and with potential big-money offers from China on the table as well (also according to Le 10 Sport), it would be understandable if Mikel chose to take advantage of the new rich kids on the block instead.
Either way, he looks closer and closer to leaving.