Former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has come to the defence of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, following widespread speculation surrounding his failed transfer to Chelsea.
Chelsea had been expected to secure a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window in their quest for a dependable No. 9, with Osimhen seen as the ideal target to strengthen their attack.
After several months of being linked with the Nigeria international, Chelsea were unable to meet Napoli's asking price for their prized asset. As a result, the Blues missed out on signing their top target before the summer transfer window closed.
Given Osimhen's insistence on leaving Napoli, he completed a loan move to Turkish side Galatasaray for the season.
Mikel Obi clears the air on Osimhen’s transfer
A lot of people have accused Osimhen of being greedy and putting money before football, but Mikel Obi dismissed the notion, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes events of the transfer saga.
“I think it’s an open secret that I was involved in the deal,” the former Super Eagles captain said on his Obi One Podcast.
“I was involved in trying to make sure that I get Victor to Chelsea, yeah, a lot happened, it was very interesting, because I think I hear a lot of people saying this and saying that about Victor and how greedy he is and stuff like that. Blah, blah blah.
“I just want to say it here that I know the boy since from the very first day he joined the national team… I know what he’s capable of, and I just want to say that is absolutely not true. Victor is not a greedy boy. He only wants to get what he deserves. And that’s not a problem.
“I know what happened. I was there, in the midst of everything. So I can tell everybody that that is definitely not true.”
Despite joining the Turkish giants, there is a break clause that could see Chelsea go back in for the 25-year-old in January.
