Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel looks set for a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer to the Arabian Gulf League after his representative confirmed the Nigerian star has agreed personal terms with Al Ain.

According to the site, AfricanFootball.com, Mikel was in Dubai to discuss contract terms with Al Ain this past week and has returned to England to discuss the offer with Chelsea.

“Mikel has agreed personal terms with Al Ain and it is now left for Chelsea and the club to agree on a transfer fee,” Mikel’s representative, Babawo Mohammed, told AfricanFootball.com.

“He has returned to England to communicate all this to Chelsea. We just have to wait and see what Chelsea say in this regard.”

Mikel’s contract with Chelsea expires next season, so it is unsurprising the club would want to offload the Nigerian, to avoid losing him for nothing next year. It is also clear that the 28-year-old plays more of a sporadic role for the club, and is not really a starting player.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is said to be interested in bringing a new midfielder to the club this summer, and Mikel is thought to be the player leaving to free up the space.

Reports in England claim Chelsea are looking a fee in the region of around £8 million for Mikel, who has spent 9 years at the club.

The news that Mikel could be heading out of Stamford Bridge will come as no surprise to Chelsea fans. The Nigerian has struggled for play time in recent years and at 28, he should be expecting to play regular first team football.