Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has vowed to ensure that Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen will join Chelsea, following a failed attempt to sign the forward during the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel shared behind-the-scenes details of the collapsed negotiations between Chelsea and Napoli for Osimhen, revealing that the Blues made multiple offers before the deal ultimately fell apart.
Chelsea were heavily linked with Osimhen during the summer, making around four contract offers in their efforts to bring the prolific Napoli forward to Stamford Bridge.
However, the deal broke down on deadline day, as Chelsea were unable to match the salary package Osimhen currently earns at Napoli.
In his podcast, Mikel expressed his determination to continue pushing for Osimhen's transfer to Chelsea, stating:
“I want to make sure, I'm not going to rest until I get him to the club. This is not because he's my friend, a Nigerian or like my younger brother, no.
“But because he is one of the best strikers in the world right now and Africa's best player. I know what he can bring to the club, and I'm sure a lot of Chelsea fans also know that.”
Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also weighed in on the situation, discussing Osimhen’s potential move to Chelsea during the January transfer window.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano clarified that Osimhen is currently committed to his new club, Galatasaray, having just signed for the Turkish giants.
“Victor Osimhen just signed for Galatasaray. Respect for Galatasaray, not just from my side but also on the player's side, camp, and the player himself,” Romano said, stressing the striker’s dedication to his current club.
However, Romano acknowledged that Chelsea’s admiration for the Super Eagles striker remains strong.
“Chelsea's appreciation for Victor Osimhen remains absolutely concrete,” he explained, while also noting the financial complications that prevented a deal in August.
As the January window approaches, Mikel’s pledge and Chelsea’s continued interest leave the door open for further developments in Osimhen’s potential move to West London, though his immediate focus remains with Galatasaray.
