Chelsea retain Mikel, Omeruo, Moses

The Premier League have announced players
released and retained by their clubs for the
2016/17 season. John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses
and Kenneth Omeruo have all been retained by
Chelsea for next season.

The news represents a silver-lining for Moses
and Omeruo, who have had different loan spells
since joining the Blues.

Omeruo spent time on loan at Turkish top-flight
side Kasimpasa last season and he has since
returned to Chelsea where he is touted to get a
chance with new manager Antonio Conte at the
helm of affairs.

Omeruo has also been rumoured to be on the
radar of newly promoted Middlesbrough, who
want the centre-back at the Riverside on loan
after he spent time with the then Championship
side two years ago.

Moses is also in the mix for the new season, but
it is not certain yet if he will be part of Conte’s
plans. The winger was on loan at West Ham
United last season and at Liverpool the previous
season.

The former Wigan ace is likely to be farmed out
yet again to another club for next season as he
struggles to replicate the form that saw Chelsea
splash out to acquire him from Wigan Athletic.

Mikel has also been retained and may likely see
out another season at Chelsea.

The Nigeria captain has been linked with Chinese
and Turkish clubs, but it remains to be seen if he
will end his 10-year association with the London
side or stay put for another season.

Other players with Nigerian heritage retained in
the Chelsea squad include Dominic Ayodele
Solanke, who played at Dutch side Vitesse
Arnhem last season, Ugbo Ike and Tomori Fikayo
while negotiations are still ongoing with Olu Aina
for a new contract.

Chelsea finished the 2015/16 in 10th place with
50 points from 38 matches.