Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has revealed that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen remains hopeful of joining Chelsea, and believes a transfer could be completed during the summer window.
Chelsea were close to signing Osimhen last summer but failed to reach an agreement with Napoli. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker instead joined Galatasaray on loan and has thrived in Turkey, scoring 28 goals in 32 appearances.
Read Also: Victor Osimhen to announce summer club decision this month
Osimhen has options, but Chelsea remains his dream
The Blues are in the market for a striker, with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap — who has a £30 million relegation release clause — among the potential targets. However, Mikel, who played a role in last summer’s negotiations, insists Osimhen still has his heart set on Stamford Bridge.
“He has options, even now when I talk to him, loads of options,” Mikel said on The Obi One Podcast.
“For me, it’s going to be really sad if we don’t get a player who supported the club growing up, who wants to play for us.”
Mikel: Osimhen can be a Chelsea legend
Mikel believes that if the move materializes, Osimhen could follow in the footsteps of his idol, Didier Drogba.
“I hope it happens because I can see great things,” Mikel added.
“A great partnership. If Victor Osimhen comes to Chelsea, he’ll want to break records, chase Drogba’s legacy, score goals, win trophies, and get the club back to the top.”
He also praised Osimhen’s character, noting he has what it takes to thrive in the Premier League.
“The hunger, the ambition, the arrogance and feistiness—he has what you need to succeed here as a top striker.”
Saudi offer turned down
Osimhen reportedly turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al-Ahli — who later signed Ivan Toney — and Mikel admits he had to step in to keep the striker focused on Europe.
“That was my conversation with him in the summer. I told him, ‘Don’t go’. Saudi will always be there. Come to Chelsea for three or four seasons, then think about Saudi.
But how long can you keep saying no to that kind of money? It’s generational wealth. At some point, it gets to you.”
Mikel confident a deal can be revived
Despite last summer’s failed talks, Mikel believes a deal can be quickly resurrected.
“We know exactly where we stopped. There’s not much left.
We can pick it back up and get him through the door.”
Whether Chelsea act remains to be seen — but Osimhen’s desire to don the blue shirt is still burning strong.
