Umbula snubs the Premier league to stay in France.
Former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain target Glibert Imbula has snubbed the chance to move to the Premier League by joining Olympique Marseille.
“OM and Guingamp, through their presidents, have reached an agreement for the transfer of Gianelli Imbula, subject to successfully passing the medical examination and therefore the actual signing of the player’s contract with Marseille,” read a statement on the club’s website.
The news will come as a disappointment to returning Blues boss Jose Mourinho, although the 50-year-old’s inability to be able to offer the midfielder regular first team football probably played a part.
Imbula made his name after progressing through the youth ranks at Ligue 1 side Guingamp and in the past two years has made 71 appearances for the club.
The 20-year-old has also earned four caps for the France under-20 side to date.
Both PSG and Chelsea highly rated the youngster but with Marseille’s promise of a starting XI place Imbula was clearly been swayed by the French runners-up.
Central midfield is hardly an area that Mourinho is lacking in either, with another 20-year-old Marco Van Ginkel having been signed this summer to play a similar role.
The Dutchman will be vying for a place alongside current stars Frank Lampard and Ramires, whilst Michael Essien has been brought back from a season-long loan at Real Madrid.
However, the future of Jon Obi Mikel is less sure with the Nigerian apparently not part of Mourinho’s plans at Stamford Bridge and the 26-year-old has been linked with Galatasaray.
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