In a stirring plea to his fellow Nigerian footballer, former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi has called upon Victor Osimhen to consider a move to Stamford Bridge.
Mikel, who affectionately dubbed himself as Osimhen's ‘agent', has disclosed his earnest endeavours to sway the highly sought-after Napoli forward towards the Blues amidst competing interest from European powerhouses like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Manchester United.
Speaking at the Web Summit Qatar, Mikel shared insights into Osimhen's genuine interest in donning the iconic blue jersey of Chelsea.
Drawing upon the rich legacy of Nigerian stars like Celestine Babayaro and Victor Moses who have graced the Stamford Bridge turf, Mikel highlighted the pride and honour associated with representing the club as a Nigerian footballer.
Osimhen, who recently committed his future to Napoli with a contract extension until 2026, has emerged as a coveted asset in the footballing realm, boasting a release clause valued between an impressive £104 million to £113 million.
Amidst fervent speculation surrounding his next destination, Mikel's persuasive charm seeks to sway Osimhen towards embracing the challenge and opportunity that Chelsea presents.
Mikel explains why Chelsea need Osimhen transfer
As Chelsea grapple with the need for a potent striker to bolster their attacking prowess, Mikel emphasised Osimhen's goal-scoring prowess as a potential solution to the club's offensive woes, referring to the recent league cup final loss to Liverpool last weekend.
“I hope he comes to the club because he would bring so much to the club. I think one thing we lack, and for anyone who saw the final against Liverpool, we clearly are lagging behind in goal scoring, we need a striker who can score goals and that's what Victor would bring for us,” Mikel said.
“He is not the most skillful player but he will come in good with the goals and that is guaranteed. He looks like he can get us 20-25 goals in a season, that's fine.
“That's what Erling Haaland does, that's why he is one of the best. He is not really there for link-ups, get the ball in the box and he will finish and that's what Victor can offer us.
“So let's hope he comes to Chelsea and becomes a legend.”
With his astute understanding of the demands and expectations at Chelsea, Mikel believes his compatriot possesses the talent and determination to thrive in the competitive landscape of the English Premier League.
Osimhen transfer news: Who gets his signature?
While PSG and Manchester United vie for Osimhen's signature, Mikel remains steadfast in his advocacy for Chelsea as the ideal destination for his compatriot.
PSG's pursuit of Osimhen as a successor to Kylian Mbappe and Manchester United's allure as a historical English club presents formidable challenges, but Mikel's unwavering conviction in Chelsea's vision and potential offers Osimhen a compelling proposition.
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis recently talked about his potential transfer and he told Sky that his club will definitely sell Victor Osimhen for big money.
“Osimhen is a very great player, and Napoli is a fantastic place but some players will always be attracted by [the likes of] Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal, Manchester City or Chelsea,” he said at the time.
“So you can't always stop them from leaving, especially when they have a fixed amount of money where they can be bought. Osimhen has a release clause. It’s a very big amount of money.”
Due to Chelsea's recent spending in the transfer scene over the past two years, it remains to be seen if the Blues might be willing to meet his buy-out clause outrightly.
Mikel insists Osimhen would love London
The allure of London, with its vibrant culture and bustling atmosphere, serves as an additional enticement for Osimhen to consider Chelsea as his preferred destination.
Mikel's own journey from Nigeria to Chelsea resonates deeply with Osimhen, offering a sense of familiarity and kinship that could influence his decision-making process.
“I’m still his agent, trying to get him to Chelsea, so I’ve got 20% of that deal, let’s hope it works out,” Mikel continued.
“I think there is genuine interest within both (Osimhen and Chelsea) and I think he loves the club, he wants to come to the club.
“Also, he's looking at London, a fantastic city to be in so instead of going to Liverpool or some other places like that, you want to live in London,” said the Champions League winner with Chelsea.”
As negotiations unfold and speculations abound, the footballing community eagerly awaits Osimhen's decision. Mikel's impassioned plea resonates deeply with Nigerian football enthusiasts, who yearn to see one of their own ascend to greater heights on the global stage.
With Mikel's mentorship and Chelsea's legacy beckoning, the Super Eagles striker stands at the cusp of a momentous decision that could shape the trajectory of his career and further elevate Nigeria's prominence in the world of football.
The nation awaits with bated breath as Osimhen contemplates his next move, poised to make Nigeria proud wherever his journey may lead.
