Celta Vigo of Spain have become the latest club in the rising hunt for the signature of Joel Chukwuma Obi from AS Torino of Italy, as the midstream Spanish outfit seek to beat off all other summer suitors for the Super Eagles midfielder.
Though Obi has been riddled with several injury woes in recent years and was not up to scratch in World Cup build-up matches with the Eagles, the former Inter Milan and Parma ace keeps hogging transfer headlines.
The latest now indicates that Celta Vigo have met with Obi’s representatives, in a bid to snatch the 27-year-old central midfielder ahead of his other summer transfer suitors.
Obi’s contract at Turin-based Torino expires in twelve months and, though they have put a fee of 5,000 euros on his head, interest has come from Getafe, Espanyol, Crystal Palace, Benfica and Porto.
Torino would, however, be willing to sell the midfielder for €4m, as his departure will free up a non-EU spot in their ranks.
Obi netted six times in 25 appearances in Serie A last season, such that he has attracted Celta, who are said to be very interested in luring the player to their ranks.
Celta have already sent their representatives to meet Obi’s mentors in Sardinia, as they hope to win a race that also involves some unnamed German clubs.
Injuries have ravaged the 27-year-old’s career, although he did manage a respectable six goals in 25 games for the Granata last season.
