Chelsea midfielder set to reject lucrative Chinese offer for Europe stay — report

Veteran Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi is on the verge of a January exit, having not played a single minute beyond pre-season under Antonio Conte.

Mikel received an offer from Chinese club Shanghai SIPG — the same team set to purchase Oscar for £60 million — and he had been considering the proposal, which would bump his wages from £70,000 to £170,000-per-week. But according to the London Evening Standard, he will reject the lucrative offer to stay in Europe as he supposedly prefers to continue testing himself in a competitive environment.

Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr revealed recently that his Captain is in "advanced discussions" with French club Olympique Marseille. The deal with the Ligue 1 side would likely see the 29-year-old get a pay-cut, but would fulfill his desire to stay in a competitive league.

Mikel has also apparently asked advice from former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who played in Marseille for a season before joining the Blues in 2004. And Mikel's family is another factor in his decision as he believes staying in Europe would be the best course of action for his partner and his twin girls.

Comparisons will be made with Oscar’s situation, no doubt, but both players’ decisions are understandable in the context of their own careers and situations. Best of luck to both Mikel and Oscar in wherever their adventures may take them next!