John Obi Mikel, a former Chelsea midfielder, remains optimistic about the possibility of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen joining his former club. Mikel believes Osimhen possesses the qualities to become a Chelsea legend, mirroring the iconic status of Didier Drogba, whom Osimhen idolizes. He envisions Osimhen’s ambition and drive translating into a prolific goal-scoring record and a key role in restoring Chelsea to its former glory. Mikel’s hope stems from Osimhen’s childhood support for Chelsea and his expressed desire to play for the club, a sentiment that resonates deeply with Mikel. The former midfielder views this connection as a unique opportunity to acquire a player intrinsically motivated to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Chelsea’s previous unsuccessful attempt to sign Osimhen last summer, Mikel maintains that the deal is still within reach. He disclosed his involvement in the prior negotiations and revealed that the two clubs were close to an agreement before the transfer window closed. Osimhen’s subsequent loan move to Galatasaray, where he has been in scintillating form, scoring 28 goals in 32 appearances, has only strengthened Mikel’s conviction that he would be an ideal fit for Chelsea. Mikel believes the groundwork laid during the previous negotiations provides a solid foundation for reviving the deal and swiftly securing Osimhen’s signature.
Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker continues, with other options like Ipswich’s Liam Delap, who has a £30 million relegation release clause, being considered. However, Mikel emphasizes Osimhen’s distinct advantage, citing his existing rapport with the club, his childhood allegiance, and his burning desire to emulate Drogba’s legacy at Chelsea. This emotional connection, combined with his undeniable talent, makes Osimhen a more compelling prospect in Mikel’s eyes. He argues that Osimhen’s inherent motivation would translate into a stronger commitment and a greater likelihood of success compared to other potential signings.
Mikel underscores Osimhen’s “hunger,” “ambition,” “arrogance,” and “feistiness” as essential attributes for thriving in the demanding environment of the Premier League. He believes these traits, combined with Osimhen’s raw talent, would enable him to not just survive but excel in England’s top flight. Mikel draws a parallel with Drogba, highlighting the Ivorian’s similar characteristics and suggesting that Osimhen possesses the same potential to become a dominant force in the Premier League. He envisions Osimhen challenging Drogba’s goal-scoring records and leading Chelsea back to the summit of English football.
While acknowledging that Osimhen has other suitors, Mikel expresses his strong preference for seeing him in a Chelsea shirt. He stresses that the opportunity to sign a player who dreamt of playing for Chelsea as a child is too precious to let slip. He believes that this inherent emotional connection, coupled with Osimhen’s undeniable talent, represents a rare opportunity to acquire a player who is destined for greatness at Stamford Bridge. Mikel hopes that the club will heed his advice and reignite their pursuit of Osimhen.
Mikel concludes by reiterating his belief in the feasibility of the transfer, emphasizing that the two clubs were very close to an agreement in the previous summer window. He suggests that picking up where they left off would be a relatively straightforward process, allowing Chelsea to quickly secure the signing. While respecting Osimhen’s right to explore other options and wishing him well, Mikel maintains his optimism that the Nigerian striker will ultimately choose to fulfill his childhood dream and become a Chelsea legend. He believes that this potential signing is too significant for Chelsea to ignore, and he urges the club to seize the opportunity.
