Former Chelsea star John Mikel Obi has voiced his disappointment over Chelsea’s stalled pursuit of Victor Osimhen, warning that it would be “really sad” if the club failed to land the prolific Nigerian striker this summer.
The Napoli forward, who scored 17 goals in Serie A this season despite injuries, was previously linked with a big-money move to Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea reportedly backed off due to Osimhen’s wage demands, and the player instead joined Galatasaray on a loan deal during the January window.
Speaking on his Obione Podcast, Mikel emphasized Osimhen’s deep admiration for Didier Drogba and his long-standing desire to wear the Chelsea shirt.
“He wants to break records”
“Listen, it will be really sad if we don’t get a player who supported us as a kid and wants to play for this Football Club,” Mikel said.
“His idol is Drogba. He will want to break records, win us trophies, get us back to the top. Come for Drogba’s records — I’m telling you, that would be his mission.”
Mikel, who won the Champions League, Premier League, and multiple domestic titles with Chelsea, said Osimhen’s signing would bring back hunger, passion, and a sense of identity to the current Chelsea squad.
“If the club chooses not to pursue it, then well fair enough good luck to them. But the good thing is we know where we left it. We can literally pick the phone up and get him straight in the door. Get him in!”
Chelsea’s need for a consistent, high-performing striker has been evident since Drogba’s departure. The club has experimented with several high-profile names — from Fernando Torres and Alvaro Morata to Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz but none have replicated the long-term success Drogba brought to the club.
Enzo Maresca, who was appointed head coach after Chelsea’s mid-table finish, reportedly has other striker targets in mind for his summer rebuild, but Osimhen remains one of the few proven goal scorers available.
Still just 26, Osimhen is not only a physically dominant forward but also a lethal finisher a quality Chelsea desperately need to compete at the top level again.
With Chelsea fans divided over the club’s current direction, Mikel’s emotional appeal could reignite calls for the board to reopen talks for the Nigerian international a striker who not only scores but carries Chelsea’s legacy in his heart.
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