Chelsea have received positive news in their quest to sign Victor Osimhen, as the striker is eager to make a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to former Blues player John Obi Mikel.
Osimhen has been heavily connected with a transfer to the Premier League club this summer, and Obi Mikel is actively working to help make the deal happen.
Chelsea are looking to bolster their squad with a new striker under Enzo Maresca, especially after Nicolas Jackson’s less-than-impressive debut season in west London.
Osimhen is considered an ideal candidate for the Blues, having netted 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli and another 21 goals in 35 matches for Nigeria.
While Chelsea have faced challenges in reaching an agreement with the Serie A club, Napoli is increasingly willing to part with Osimhen, particularly if they can acquire Stamford Bridge outcast Romelu Lukaku or another Blues player as part of the deal.
However, Chelsea may face competition from PSG, who also admire Osimhen, but Obi Mikel is confident that his fellow countryman ‘wants to join’ his former club, as he recently communicated with the player via text.
‘There’s interest from both sides,’ Obi Mikel said on beIN SPORT. ‘He wants to come to the club.’
‘I believe the club wants a proven goalscorer, and that’s no slight on Nicolas Jackson. He performed well last season, but I think we need more.’
‘We’ve exchanged a few text messages. I’ve told him how great the club is and what a fantastic environment it is for growth.’
‘He’s interested, which is promising. He wants to come to the club. Chelsea is a huge club, and he would like to follow in the footsteps of other Nigerians who have played for Chelsea.’
‘I’d say it’s 60/40 in favor of Osimhen joining, as he seems keen. I believe there should be a straightforward swap, given Napoli’s interest in [Romelu] Lukaku.’
Osimhen’s most successful season for Napoli was in 2022-23, when he scored 31 goals in 39 matches across all competitions, helping his team secure their first Serie A title since 1990.
Chelsea will kick off their 2024-25 Premier League season on Sunday afternoon against reigning champions Manchester City.
New Blues manager Maresca will be without club captain Reece James, who is suspended, but might give debuts to summer signings Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri remains out of action after suffering a hamstring injury during the Euro 2024 final.
