Celta Vigo in advanced talks to bring Torino midfielder Joel Obi

Celta Vigo are discussing a move to sign Joel Obi.

According to the football transfer rumours in Italian media, Celta Vigo are in advanced talks to bring Torino midfielder Joel Obi.

The Nigeria international was signed by Torino in July 2015 from Internazionale for a fee of 2.2 million euros. The 27-year-old has a contract until 2019 with the club.

Obi has played 59 times for Torino since signing from Internazionale, scoring seven goals and creating five assists in that time.

The 27-year-old is considered to be one of the best midfielders in Nigeria.

As a member of Nigeria national football team, Obi won 17 caps.

The midfielder has just 12 months remaining on his contract and Torino may consider a deal in this transfer window to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

The Torino manager does not see him in his plans and would be open to letting him leave.

Antonio Mohamed is looking to shore up his midfield options and Torino’s Joel Obi happens to be a target.

Obi has the talent to play many roles in midfield.

According to Football Italia (via Toro), “According to Toro.it, there had already been an approach during the January transfer window and Obi is not considered a first choice by Coach Walter Mazzarri. The 27-year-old has been at Torino since 2015 and spent practically his entire career in Italy with Inter and Parma before then. Obi would be available for around €5m and is also of interest to FC Porto and Sporting CP.”

Torino are not in a position where they need to sell and would like to keep hold of the midfielder, but right offer may force the club to consider a deal.

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Signing the 27-year-old in the summer transfer window would be a masterstroke from Antonio Mohamed.

Stylistically, he would be a great fit in Celta Vigo.

How strong that interest is and whether Celta Vigo will make a move remains to be seen but it is certainly one worth keeping an eye on.