EPL: Chelsea retain Nigerian stars

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.