- 10 hours ago
Victor Osimhen to Chelsea: Deal was 'moments away' says Mikel
Cameron Smith
- 9 Sept 2024 10:40 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea were “moments away” from finalising an agreement to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer, according to John Obi Mikel.
The Nigeria international has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for over a year and a deal was close to being completed during the summer transfer window.
However, Chelsea were unable to reach a final agreement and Osimhen subsequently joined Turkish side Galatasaray on a season-long loan.
READ MORE: 'Chelsea's Osimhen offer was the best for the player and Napoli'
His deal at Galatasaray reportedly includes a January ‘break-clause,’ which could allow Chelsea to sign him when the winter window opens.
After missing out on Osimhen, the Blues decided against signing a different number nine, with Enzo Maresca putting his trust in Nicolas Jackson.
Despite this, Osimhen remains a target and ex-Blues midfielder Mikel has confirmed that Chelsea could look to sign the Nigerian in January.
READ MORE: Chelsea's 10 most expensive transfers of all time
What has been said?
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel revealed the details behind Osimhen’s failed summer move to Chelsea.
“I mean, a lot happened. And I think it's an open secret that I was involved in the deal,” Mikel admitted. “I was involved in trying to make sure that I get Victor to Chelsea.
“We were very, very close. We were just moments away from getting this deal done, but there were just slight issues, slight little problems, that meant we just couldn't get over the line.
“And of course, the medical couldn't be done as well, so even if we got the deal done, it was too late. But I know exactly where we stopped.
Current ETV
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Galatasaray
ETV Range
€53.3M - €88.9M
“I know exactly where we are with the deal. And if eventually, you know, say, January or whatever, we have to pick it up again, then I know exactly where we are and where we have to start from,” Mikel continued.
“We finally got to a compromise. It was just some little things here and there, paperwork, medical and a few issues that we just couldn't get over the line. We didn't have much time, the one time you want the seconds and minutes and hours to slow down a bit, it just didn't work.
“He [Osimhen] was disappointed it didn't happen.
“I know a lot of people say ‘Oh, Osimhen didn't want to come to the club [Chelsea].’ That's not true. Victor really wanted to come to the club, because he still knows he has a lot to prove in Europe. He wants to come to Chelsea.
“He wants to come in and help the club to get back to where we should be. He knows he can score a lot of goals in the Premier League, and what a better place to do that than his childhood club Chelsea.
Mikel added: “Victor really, really wanted to come to the club, and he had to compromise a lot to come to the middle. Because we did reach an agreement in terms of the salary, in terms of what he wants. There were just a few minor details here and there that we just couldn't get over the line.
“Definitely, there's no issues. I think if we have to pick this up again, in January or next summer, we know where we are. And it's just little details that need to be finalised and the deal will be done.”
