Celta Vigo wants Joel Obi to replace Lobotka

Celta Vigo of Spain is tightening its grip on Torino midfielder, Joel Chukwuma Obi, as the Liga side sees him as a credible replacement for outgoing Slovakian dazzler, Stanislav Lobotka.

The report out of Spain further indicates that though Torino wants to keep hold of Obi, following his return to the Super Eagles’ mainframe, Celta is almost desperate to get the former Inter Milan and AC Parma battler.

Obi is also keen on a new adventure, after spending his entire career in Italy, and has been at Torino for the past three seasons.Consequently, he is edging closer to a move to Celta Vigo, as talks have progressed well in the past few days.

Obi is deemed surplus to requirements by Torino’s new coach, Walter Mazzari, despite playing 22 league games last season and scoring five goals for the Turin-based side.

Celta Vigo has now intensified their push to sign Obi, as they are warming up for the potential exit of Lobotka, who is close to agreeing a move to Napoli.His former club, Parma also stepped up its quest to re-sign the 27-year-old but Celta, which had long signified its intention for Obi, has convinced Torino over his transfer.