According to John Obi Mikel, Napoli’s forward Victor Osimhen has a strong desire to join Chelsea in the Premier League, expressing his affection for the club.
With an impressive track record of 72 goals in 122 appearances for Napoli, Osimhen has become a target for both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain as the summer transfer window approaches.
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Napoli’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has already confirmed Osimhen’s departure at the end of the season, with a release clause ranging between €120 million (£102.6m) and €130m (£111.2m) in his contract.
Mikel, who shares a close bond with Osimhen, suggests that the 25-year-old striker is eager to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
‘I’m still Osimhen’s agent, trying to get him to Chelsea! I’ve got 20 per cent of that deal, so I hope it works out!’ Mikel said at the Web Summit Qatar on Thursday.
When asked if Osimhen joining Chelsea is a ‘genuine possibility’, Mikel said: ‘I think there is genuine interest between both. I think he loves the club, he wants to come to the club.
????️ Mikel John Obi tells me he's Victor Osimhen's 'agent' and says he wants to come to Chelsea despite "a lot of interest" including from PSG and Manchester United. "I am pushing him… I hope he comes to Chelsea."
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— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) February 29, 2024
‘Obviously, he wants to follow my footsteps as a Nigerian player who has played for Chelsea – Victor Moses, Celestine Babayaro, not a lot of us.
‘London as well, fantastic city, instead of going to Liverpool or places like that you want to live in London.
‘But he also has a lot of interest. Paris Saint-Germain, Man United.
‘I’m stil pushing, sending him messages, trying to make sure he doesn’t expect to much, narrow you’re mind on one club – the Blues.
‘I am pushing him, I hope he comes to the club. I think one thing we lack, I think everyone who watch the [Carabao Cup] final on Sunday will see that one thing we are lacking is scoring goals. We need that striker who will score goals.
‘And that’s what Victor will give you. He’s not the most skilful guy, but goals are definitely guaranteed.
‘If he could get us 20 plus a season, 25, who knows, that’s what Erling Haaland does, that’s why he’s one of the best, he’s not really there for link-ups and all that, get the ball in the box and he will finish. That’s something Victor will definitely give us.
‘Let’s hope it works out and he comes to Chelsea and becomes a legend.’
