Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, Mikel John Obi has opened up about his involvement in Chelsea’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen during the summer transfer window.

Mikel, who spent over a decade at Chelsea and won numerous trophies with the club, has never hidden his desire for Osimhen to join Premier League side.

With the club’s attack struggling and in need of reinforcements, Mikel argued and worked behind the scenes for a deal to take Osimhen to Stamford Bridge, the former Chelsea man has now claimed.

Co Sporting Director Laurence Stewart (L), Cole Palmer (C) and Co Sporting Director Paul Winstanley (R). (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

However, despite Mikel’s efforts, the deal fell through, reportedly due to financial disagreements.

With Osimhen earning over £200,000 per week at Napoli, Chelsea would have needed to offer a comparable salary to secure the striker.

Still, Chelsea reportedly provided a ridiculous amount which led to the deal crashing.

Mikel Talks on the Failed Transfer

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel shared insights into Chelsea’s failed move for the Forward, which eventually saw Osimhen move on loan to

Former Chelsea Player, John Obi Mikel takes a selfie with fans. (Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Galatasaray.

The former Chelsea midfielder, who had described Osimhen as the “final piece of the puzzle” for Chelsea, was quick to defend his fellow Nigerian against accusations of greed, which had surfaced following the failed move.

“I mean, a lot happened, and I think it’s an open secret that I was involved in the deal.

“I was involved in trying to make sure that I get Victor to Chelsea, yeah, a lot happened, it was very interesting because I think I hear a lot of people saying this and saying that about Victor and and how greedy he is and stuff like that.

“I just want to say here that I have known the boy since the very first day he joined the national team, yeah, my relationship with him has been very, very good.

“I know what he’s capable of, and I just want to say that is absolutely not true.” Mikel explained.

“Victor is not a greedy boy. He only wants to get what he deserves. And that’s not a problem. I know what happened. I was there, in the midst of everything. So I can tell everybody that that is not true.”

Osimhen’s Joins Galatasaray and AFCON Qualifiers

Despite the failed Chelsea move, Victor Osimhen quickly shifted his focus to his new challenge at Galatasaray, where he joined on loan from Napoli.

The Nigerian striker made an immediate impact, marking his return to competitive football with a goal that helped the Super Eagles secure a 3-0 win over Benin Republic in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria’s No.9 Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match against Benin Republic in Uyo. Photo | X (VictorOsimhen9)

Osimhen’s next appearance will be for Nigeria as the Super Eagles face Rwanda in Kigali on Tuesday in their ongoing AFCON qualifiers.

With Osimhen back in form and eager to prove his worth, all eyes will be on him as he continues to shine on both club and international stages.