Rumour Mills: Ex-Nigeria captain Obi Mikel still hopeful of Osimhen’s Chelsea move

By Wale Mustapha

Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, remains optimistic that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen will join Chelsea in the upcoming transfer window.

Osimhen, 26, was reportedly close to sealing a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but negotiations collapsed due to wage-related disagreements.

Despite the failed deal, the Napoli star has continued to be linked with the West London club as they search for a top-tier striker.

Chelsea, alongside Manchester United and several Saudi Arabian clubs, are said to be monitoring Osimhen’s situation ahead of the summer market.

Mikel, who spent over a decade with the Blues, expressed his desire to see his compatriot don the Chelsea shirt and hinted that most of the groundwork for a deal had already been done.

“He [Osimhen] wants to play for Chelsea. I hope he’ll be playing his football next season somewhere in the Premier League. I hope he comes,” Mikel told beIN Sports.

“I know where we stopped with the contract. I know where we are. It’s an easy fix because we’ve done all the hard work last summer.”

Osimhen has enjoyed a productive season despite speculation over his future and remains one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.