By Felicia Udeji
Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has categorically stated that he will do his utmost to see compatriot Victor Osimhen sign for the London club, Chelsea.
The former Super Eagles captain, in a video posted on X, added that another club legend, Didier Drogba, was also in contact with the Napoli striker, as they hoped to convince him to make a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Osimhen’s future remains the subject of intense viral speculations ahead of the final weeks of the summer transfer window. The striker has asked to leave Napoli and has been linked with a transfer to Chelsea in a deal that would see Romelu Lukaku move the other way.
Chelsea have already signed a host of players this summer, including Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, and Filip Jorgensen, but appear ready to continue their spending spree, with the 25-year-old ranking prominently on their wish list to lead their line during the 2024/25 season.
Just a few weeks before the close of the transfer window, Mikel revealed that he would try and help the club land their primary target, whom he believed would be an instant hit in the English Premier League.
“We want somebody who can finish, score goals, and tap-ins. Someone like Erling Haaland,” Mikel said.
“That’s something Victor Osimhen will bring to Chelsea. I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club. I’ll make sure I send him those text messages and calls, making sure Chelsea is his top priority! But it seems like he loves the club and wants to come to Chelsea.
“I’m sure he has all the big clubs wanting to sign him. I think if we can secure his signature, it would be fantastic for the club. He’s somebody who will get us goals, and that’s something that we need right now.
“A fantastic guy, a fantastic human being, and I really do hope he comes to the club, and I’ll try my best to make sure that happens. Didier is also speaking to him, sharing his own ideas and what the club means to us. We all want to see Victor come to the club.”
Osimhen has emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, having been linked with moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others, following impressive seasons with Napoli.
However, his hefty €130m remains the stumbling block, with PSG, among other suitors, backing off, leaving Chelsea as the only European club still keen on signing him.